Schedule maintenance based on actual fluid condition rather than arbitrary intervals. Condition‑based triggers help maintenance managers target service when it's truly needed.
Use sensor data and oil analyses to decide exactly when to change fluids or inspect components.
Condition based triggers use real‑time and laboratory data to initiate maintenance actions. Instead of changing oil every 500 hours, you act only when contamination, viscosity change or temperature thresholds are exceeded.
By adopting condition‑based triggers, maintenance managers can reduce unnecessary services, save on parts and labour, and extend component life. Combine triggers with telematics signal maps and vibration thresholds for a comprehensive predictive strategy.
Condition | Parameter | Action |
---|---|---|
Viscosity Change | Increase >20% from baseline | Schedule oil change |
Contaminant Count | Particles >80 ppm | Inspect filters and components |
Water Content | >0.3% volume | Drain and replace fluid |
Temperature Spike | >230°F sustained | Investigate cooling system |
To implement condition based triggers effectively, you need quality data, tailored criteria and integrated workflows.
Use this four‑step process to create, monitor and refine condition based triggers for your fleet.
Determine which fluid conditions (viscosity, contamination, temperature) matter most for each asset.
Set threshold levels based on OEM specs, lab analysis and operational experience.
Implement triggers in your maintenance system, monitor alerts and schedule work orders automatically.
Analyze trigger performance, fine‑tune thresholds and expand to additional components.
Implementing condition based triggers yields significant cost savings and reliability improvements.
Reduction in unnecessary maintenance
Increase in asset uptime
Lower fluid costs
Less unplanned downtime
"After adopting condition based triggers, we cut our oil changes by 40% while extending engine life. Our maintenance crew now spends more time addressing real issues and less on routine tasks."
Maintenance Manager
Learn more about developing and using condition based triggers in your maintenance program.
Traditional preventive schedules rely on time or mileage intervals. Condition based triggers use real‑time data to initiate service only when the equipment’s condition warrants it, reducing unnecessary maintenance.
Start by identifying critical fluids and components, choose sensors to monitor those parameters, define thresholds with OEM and historical data, and integrate alerts into your maintenance system.
Harsh conditions accelerate fluid degradation. Set more conservative trigger levels and adjust them as you gather data. Condition based triggers are particularly valuable in extreme environments.
Yes. Many telematics platforms support condition based alerts. Sensor data can be transmitted in real time, enabling immediate action when triggers are exceeded.
Condition based triggers require investment in sensors and analytics. They also demand ongoing management to adjust thresholds and ensure data integrity. However, the benefits in uptime and cost savings typically outweigh these challenges.
Explore these resources to round out your fluid analysis and predictive maintenance strategy.
Visualize fluid signals across your fleet to identify anomalies early.
View MapSet vibration limits to catch mechanical issues that degrade fluids.
View ThresholdsExplore other areas of predictive maintenance to further optimize your fleet.
Condition based triggers put you in control of maintenance timing. Respond to actual equipment condition instead of guessing, and keep your fleet operating at peak performance.
Inspect fluid data to understand underlying wear and tear.
Tailor thresholds to each asset and refine them over time.
Trigger service only when necessary to keep assets working longer.