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This article presents two case studies and theory on the topic of implementing a condition based maintenance approach. It visualizes that condition based maintenance, within the Swedish industry, is utilized to a lesser degree than corrective and predetermined maintenance, and argues that one reason for this is the difficulty in implementation. It also argues that additional factors, beyond technical aspects within the condition based maintenance approach, are necessary to take into consideration if successful implementation is to be achieved. The purpose of the two case studies was to investigate the process of implementing a condition based maintenance approach. The result of the investigation was compiled into a checklist with important factors to take into consideration when attempting to implement condition based maintenance within an industrial setting.

The objective with this paper is to study possible methods and tools to be used in a decision and development support model when implementing condition monitoring tools as a part of implementing a condition based maintenance strategy. The paper shortly discusses the condition based maintenance strategy, Six Sigma, Systems Engineering, and a synopsis of the former three topics. The result presented in this paper is a proposed model possible to use when performing process improvement projects, specifically within the framework of maintenance strategies and condition based maintenance in particular. The model is primarily to be used to decide if condition based maintenance really is the correct process improvement to initiate, if so on what assets in particular, and later also support the choice of which technology or technologies to utilize. The model draws from theory on the DMAIC methodology and the V-diagram model but also incorporates several tools and measurements, such as: failure mode and effect analysis, fault tree analysis, OEE- and DuPont-calculations, organizational maturity level estimation etc.

The purpose of the study is to describe an information theory in order to achieve a fruitful discussion of information within condition monitoring in a condition based maintenance context. The paper is based on a qualitative and interdisciplinary approach. A case study is performed at four Swedish paper mills and one condition monitoring supplier. Interviews have been the main method for data collection; however, observations and studies of artifacts are included in the study also. The main contribution of the study is a framework that visualizes how data and five different forms of information interact and turns into knowledge about a machine’s condition. These forms of information are all necessary to take into consideration when implementing and operating a condition based maintenance program. The research results state that it is relevant to allow and encourage the technicians and operators to utilize several forms of information when assessing the condition of an asset, and, thus, to not put too much trust in the condition monitoring technology alone. Also, it can be important to encourage user interface designers to reflect upon the different contexts and information forms as they design information in a condition monitoring interface.

During implementation of a condition based maintenance approach numerous decisions lie ahead. A number of factors need to be taken into consideration in the decision-making. This paper, based upon theory and a brainstorming session, suggest a decision-making guideline. The suggested guideline covers the steps of; feasibility test, assignment of responsibilities, selection of assets to monitor, selection of parameters and techniques, and selection of technologies, in order to manage the decision-making more structured during implementation of condition based maintenance.