How to Reduce Maintenance Costs with Simple Condition Monitoring Strategies

Keeping on top of maintenance schedules can be time consuming and costly, particularly if you are facing frequent breakdowns and excessive downtime. While many rely on reactive or preventative maintenance strategies, these approaches often result in either too much downtime or unnecessary maintenance, taking valuable time and resources away from other priorities.

That’s where predictive maintenance makes a difference. Predictive maintenance involves monitoring the condition of machinery and performing maintenance only when abnormalities are detected. This proactive approach helps maintenance teams save time, cut costs, and minimise unplanned downtime, all while ensuring machinery runs smoothly.

For those new to Condition Monitoring, setting up a reliable and cost-effective system might seem daunting. But the good news is, you don’t need an expensive or overly complex setup to get started. In this article, we’ll introduce two user-friendly options that combine ease of installation with powerful functionality.

SKF QuickCollect Portable Sensor

The SKF QuickCollect Sensor simplifies machine monitoring. This portable, handheld device pairs with a smartphone or tablet via an intuitive app, making it ideal for walk-around data collection programs or as an entry point into condition monitoring.

With the QuickCollect Sensor, you can measure machine vibration, bearing condition, and temperature in real time. The device compares readings against user-defined parameters, helping you quickly spot developing issues before they escalate. And because it’s straightforward to use, you can start identifying potential problems with minimal training - perfect for maintenance teams looking for a hassle-free solution.

SKF Axios

For more comprehensive monitoring across multiple measurement points, the SKF Axios system is a robust next step. While it involves a bit more setup than the QuickCollect, Axios still emphasises simplicity and ease of use. Its magnetically attached sensors connect via the cloud to monitor critical areas on machinery, capturing vibration and temperature data. When anomalies are detected, the system provides timely alerts so maintenance teams can take action before downtime occurs.

Axios goes a step further by leveraging historical data to power machine learning. This means that the more you use the system, the smarter and more accurate it becomes at identifying potential issues.

The Axios system also includes a user-friendly app for PC, tablets, and smartphones, giving you easy access to your machinery’s data. With the app, you can monitor multiple sites and assets, track trends, receive notifications, and provide feedback to fine-tune future alerts. It’s an intelligent, scalable solution for organisations looking to advance their condition monitoring strategy.

Both solutions are designed to make predictive maintenance accessible and effective, whether you’re starting small with the QuickCollect Sensor or scaling up with the Axios system. By adopting the right tools, you can move beyond traditional maintenance approaches and unlock a smarter, more efficient way to keep your machinery in top condition.