THE IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE IN INDUSTRIES: A Case Study

Um Estudo de Caso

Abstract

The growing demand for operational efficiency and cost reduction in industries has stimulated the search for more effective maintenance methods, with emphasis on predictive maintenance. This article investigates the importance and benefits of implementing predictive maintenance in industries, with a case study in a food industry, whose main products are whole, concentrated pulps derived from tropical fruits (pineapple, guava and mango), and which does not yet use this methodology. The objective is to examine how predictive maintenance can optimize asset management, reduce costs and increase operational efficiency. The research adopted a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with managers and technicians. The company faces challenges, such as unplanned shutdowns and high costs of corrective maintenance. The results of the interviews indicate a positive perception of predictive maintenance, highlighting expectations of cost reduction, reduced downtime and increased productivity, suggesting that the initial implementation, despite requiring considerable investment, brings significant returns in the medium and long term. It can be concluded that predictive maintenance can not only increase efficiency and reduce costs, but also promote a safer working environment and increase employee morale, which fully justifies the necessary investments.