How would you define "predictive maintenance"?

Predictive maintenance is defined as a strategy that utilizes data and condition-monitoring tools to assess the state of equipment and predict when maintenance should be performed. This approach helps to prevent unexpected failures by focusing on the actual condition of the machinery rather than adhering to a predetermined schedule. By monitoring indicators such as vibrations, temperature, or other performance metrics, maintenance can be conducted just in time to avoid downtime and extend the life of the equipment. This method contrasts with other maintenance strategies, which may rely on random user feedback, be reactive to failures, or coincide solely with upgrade cycles.