Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)
Condition-based maintenance triggers maintenance from the measured condition of an asset rather than a fixed calendar. When monitored indicators cross a threshold, work is scheduled — avoiding both unnecessary preventive tasks and unexpected failures.
CBM sits between preventive and fully predictive maintenance. It uses condition monitoring — vibration, temperature, oil, ultrasound — to decide when to act, but typically on threshold rules rather than forecasting remaining life. It cuts wasted preventive work and catches many faults early, and it is often the practical first step a plant takes before adding predictive analytics on top.
Related terms
Predictive Maintenance (PdM) · Preventive Maintenance · Condition Monitoring · P-F Curve
Related guides
Software
Augury
Machine health monitoring for rotating equipment using vibration and AI.
Siemens Senseye Predictive Maintenance
Scalable predictive maintenance that learns from existing condition data.
Where this applies
Transitioning to condition-based maintenance · Running an asset criticality ranking exercise · Deploying a computerised maintenance management system · Managing plate heat exchanger gaskets · Running a thermographic electrical survey programme · Implementing operator-driven reliability · Reviewing and optimising the preventive maintenance schedule · Vibration Analysis vs Thermography