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This is Part 2 of our five-part series on overcoming the real barriers to predictive maintenance.
In Part 1: Why Manufacturers Struggle to Adopt Predictive Maintenance, we broke down the most common reasons PdM initiatives stall - legacy systems, cultural pushback, unclear ROI, and more. For a more detailed framework, explore our whitepaper and checklist, built to help manufacturers assess readiness and chart a path toward scalable PdM.
Now, we’re digging deeper into one of the biggest culprits: the lack of a clear strategy.
Predictive maintenance sounds like a silver bullet until it stalls out in the real world.
It’s not the technology that fails. It’s the lack of strategy behind it.
We see it all the time: teams invest in sensors, analytics tools, or pilot programs hoping for quick wins. But without clear goals, leadership alignment, and a plan to scale, those initiatives stay stuck in “proof of concept” mode. And the business case for PdM never gets off the ground. Let's walk through what that looks like, and how to turn it around.
The Signs of a Strategy Gap
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone:
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Pilots launched with no clear KPIs
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IT and OT teams working in silos
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Stakeholders unsure what success looks like
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Projects running on enthusiasm instead of roadmaps
Without a structured plan, even the best tools won’t move the needle. You might end up chasing disconnected initiatives, duplicating efforts, or investing in technology that doesn’t fit your operational needs.
What a Strong Strategy Actually Looks Like
Let’s be clear: a good strategy isn’t just a list of technologies to buy. It’s a business-driven plan that connects PdM to your broader objectives - from reducing downtime to improving asset reliability or controlling costs.
Here’s what to build:
1. Clear Business Goals
What’s the outcome you’re solving for? Whether it’s extending asset life or minimizing unplanned outages, your PdM program should be anchored to real, measurable business value.
2. Candid Asset Assessment
Know what you’re working with. Identify critical equipment, existing data capabilities, and current system constraints. This tells you where to start - and where to avoid wasting time.
3. Stakeholder Alignment
Bring IT, OT, engineering, and leadership to the same table early. If these groups aren’t aligned, PdM won’t scale. And executive buy-in isn’t optional - it’s fuel for momentum.
4. Use Case Prioritization
Don’t try to boil the ocean. Focus on one or two high-impact assets where success is visible and replicable. Early wins build credibility and confidence.
5. A Roadmap You Can Actually Follow
Phases. Milestones. Metrics. Plan for pilots, expansion, and scale - not just installation. A good strategy leaves room for lessons learned and course corrections.
Why This Matters
Without a roadmap, predictive maintenance becomes just another stalled initiative. With one, it becomes a catalyst for smarter operations.
You don’t need to be perfect to get started - but you do need a plan to keep going.
Need a blueprint for getting your strategy in place?
We’ve built a dedicated resource hub to help manufacturers move forward. Explore the full whitepaper, complete the checklist, and start building your roadmap to predictive maintenance that works.
