Predictive maintenance – a major field for the application of computer aided systems

Abstract

Predictive maintenance is a widely applied maintenance program that requires extensive support of computer aided systems. The program uses specific procedures that are to be addressed when developing predictive maintenance software solutions. Despite the fact that software solutions for predictive maintenance were introduced almost at the same time as the program emerged, it still remains a very actual field for the application of computer aided systems. The practice also shows that developers of computer aided systems for predictive maintenance constantly encounter problems, trying to translate predictive maintenance procedures into the computer language. These procedures are very specific and require microprocessor-based equipment and development of sophisticated algorithms. Therefore, there is a distinct need for better awareness about the predictive maintenance concept among software developers. The article aims to describe the essence of the predictive maintenance concept, its fundamental approaches and the main physical processes upon which the predictive maintenance procedures are based: (1) distinct vibration frequency components which are inherent in all common failure modes; and (2) constant amplitude of each distinct vibration component. The importance of the awareness with the concept for computer aided systems developers is emphasized. And the most problematic areas of software application in predictive maintenance programs are outlined, namely the development of effective computerized systems to capture and analyze an immense quantity of data (big data processing), and the development of systems, supporting an intelligent connection of smart devices with the means of internet protocols (Internet of Things).