CBM (Condition Based Maintenance) is an advanced maintenance strategy in which maintenance needs are determined based on actual operating conditions and equipment health, rather than fixed schedules or calendar-based intervals. The primary objective is to detect performance degradation before a failure occurs and to carry out maintenance at the right time and with the right scope.
In traditional maintenance approaches, activities are performed either after a failure occurs (corrective maintenance) or at predetermined intervals (preventive maintenance). CBM goes beyond both approaches by basing maintenance decisions on measurable data. As a result, maintenance activities are performed neither too early nor too late.
What Is CBM (Condition Based Maintenance)?
CBM, or Condition Based Maintenance, is a maintenance approach in which equipment maintenance requirements are defined according to actual operating conditions and equipment health rather than fixed time intervals.
The goal of this method is to identify performance deterioration before a failure occurs and to implement maintenance interventions at the optimal time and scope.
In the CBM approach
- Equipment condition is measured
- Performance data is analyzed
- Defined threshold values and trends are monitored
- Maintenance actions are taken only when a real need arises
This ensures that maintenance activities are neither performed unnecessarily early nor postponed until after a failure.
How Does CBM Work?
In a condition based maintenance approach, equipment condition is monitored and analyzed through specific parameters. This monitoring can be continuous or periodic. The main data sources include
- Vibration measurements
- Temperature values
- Pressure and flow parameters
- Operating hours and load data
- Performance and efficiency deviations
These data sets are evaluated using predefined thresholds, trend analyses, or anomaly detection methods. When a deterioration signal in equipment performance is detected, a maintenance action is triggered either automatically or manually.
Comparison of CBM with Other Maintenance Approaches
| Criteria | Corrective Maintenance | Preventive Maintenance | Condition Based Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Timing | After failure | Based on fixed intervals | Based on equipment condition |
| Planning Approach | Reactive | Partially proactive | Fully proactive |
| Risk of Unplanned Downtime | Very high | Medium | Low |
| Data Utilization | None | Limited | High |
| Cost Control | Weak | Medium | Strong |
| Impact on Equipment Life | Negative | Neutral | Positive |
Benefits of Condition Based Maintenance for Organizations
CBM transforms maintenance management from a purely technical function into a strategic business process.
- Reduction of unplanned downtime and emergency interventions
- Prevention of production and quality losses caused by failures
- More predictable and controllable maintenance costs
- Extended service life of critical equipment
- Improved spare parts and workforce planning
- Reduced occupational health and safety risks
Especially for high-risk, continuously operating, and audit-driven facilities, CBM is a key element of operational continuity.
The Relationship Between CBM and CMMS
For a condition based maintenance strategy to be sustainable and scalable, a robust CMMS infrastructure is essential. Collecting, analyzing, and converting CBM data into actionable tasks can only be achieved through digital maintenance management systems.
With Repairist CMMS
- Measurement and control data are centrally recorded
- Condition based maintenance triggers are defined
- Automatic or manual work orders are generated
- Maintenance performance is monitored through KPIs
- Traceable and consistent maintenance records are ensured for audits
This structure enables CBM applications to remain transparent, controlled, and aligned from the shop floor to management.
How to Start Implementing CBM
Transitioning to condition based maintenance should be approached as a phased transformation rather than an unplanned or sudden change.
- Identification of critical equipment
- Analysis of failure history and maintenance records
- Definition of monitored parameters and threshold values
- Establishment of data collection and monitoring infrastructure via CMMS
- Creation and monitoring of CBM focused maintenance plans
Repairist CMMS makes this transformation manageable step by step, increasing the overall maintenance maturity of organizations.
CBM (Condition Based Maintenance) goes beyond traditional reactive maintenance approaches by offering organizations a data-driven, controlled, and sustainable maintenance strategy. For companies aiming at digitalization, effective risk management, and operational excellence, condition based maintenance is no longer an option but a strategic necessity.
Next Steps
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