In a new episodeof the Beyond Tomorrow podcast, Cecilia Jacobsson, Business Area Manager at PlantVision Technology, and Rigmor Dalin, who has extensive experience in the manufacturing industry, discuss why maintenance is a key issue for the future of production—and how companies can begin their journey toward predictive maintenance.
Why Maintenance Is More Than Just a Routine
Traditionally, maintenance has often involved following checklists and replacing components based on a schedule or operating hours. This approach provides a certain degree of security, but it also leads to unnecessary work and high costs. The alternative—repairing equipment only after it breaks down—is even more expensive and carries significant risks of production downtime.
“The most important thing is to take control of your maintenance. Instead of letting the machines dictate the schedule, you have complete control while you work,” says Rigmor Dalin.
Monitoring is key. By utilizing the data already available on the production floor, companies can reduce unplanned downtime, increase uptime, and extend the service life of their equipment. It’s not just a technical issue—it’s a strategic competitive advantage.
The Difference Between Condition-Based and Predictive Maintenance
Two concepts dominate the discussion: condition-based maintenance and predictive maintenance. Condition-based maintenance involves performing maintenance based on actual status, for example, by measuring vibrations, temperature, or pressure. Predictive maintenance takes it a step further by using AI to anticipate failures before they occur.
“Predictive maintenance is the dream everyone is striving for. But it’s not a project—it’s a way of working that needs to be implemented step by step,” explains Rigmor.
This is where many companies get stuck. Misconceptions about costs and data requirements lead them to wait too long. In reality, it’s possible to start small—using existing data and simple sensors—and build up knowledge over time.
How to Get Started: Start Where It Hurts the Most
The journey toward more proactive maintenance begins with assessing the current situation. What data do you have today? Which outages cost the most? Which indicators are most relevant? Often, there’s more information available than you might think, and any missing data can be supplemented with simple sensors.
“Talk to the people who use the machine every day. They know what kinds of issues usually come up and what it should sound like when everything is working properly,” Rigmor advises.
Once the data is available at Location , the next step is to analyze patterns, set alarm thresholds, and establish procedures for handling alarms. Who takes action? Who has the authority to halt production? These are questions that must be answered to create structure and ensure safety.
The future is already here
Implementing predictive maintenance is not a one-time effort. It is a new way of working that requires time, commitment, and a clear strategy. But the benefits are significant: greater efficiency, more precise deliveries, and more sustainable production.
“The future is already here, and technology is advancing at an incredible pace. To keep up, it’s important to start now,” Rigmor concludes.
What does your maintenance work look like today? What steps would have the greatest impact for you? Please feel free to reach out—we’d love to continue the conversation.