Predictive maintenance uses algorithms to predict the next failure of a component, machine or system. This way, operators can perform specific maintenance procedures to avoid said failure at the optimal moment.
One could say it is about solving little issues before they become huge problems.
This way, companies can reduce unplanned stops caused by equipment failure, and decrease the number of costly interventions. Besides, maintenance no longer operates on a cyclic calendar, but instead revolves around the needs of the machine, being able to plan optimal maintenance dynamically.