Direct answer
Start condition monitoring on a failure mode that is costly, detectable and actionable. Establish a healthy baseline, choose a signal related to the failure, set investigation limits from trend evidence, and define who responds. More sensors do not improve reliability unless the result changes maintenance action.
Select a failure mode with an action
Choose bearings, motors, pumps, heaters, pneumatic supply, vacuum, belts or tooling where deterioration can be detected and maintenance can be planned.
Avoid monitoring a signal when no one knows what action to take at an alarm.
Establish the operating baseline
Record the signal during healthy production across normal products, speeds and ambient conditions. Note load and machine state so a product change is not mistaken for deterioration.
Use consistent sensor mounting and sampling.
Trend and investigate deviations
Use warning and action levels supported by history, manufacturer guidance or engineering analysis. Review rate of change as well as absolute value.
Confirm the physical cause before replacing parts; a temperature rise may be load, lubrication, alignment or environment.
Connect monitoring to maintenance planning
Create work-order, spares and access steps for each actionable condition. Record findings after inspection so thresholds improve over time.
Maintain the monitoring equipment itself and ensure data loss or sensor failure is visible.
Information to prepare
- Critical asset and failure mode
- Measurable precursor signal
- Healthy baseline by operating condition
- Warning and action limits
- Responsible reviewer and response time
- Inspection findings and maintenance action
- Sensor and data-system health checks
Packserv
Service, inspection and maintenance support for packaging machinery.
Official references
Check the current source before relying on dates, thresholds or legal duties.