On establishing cost-effective condition-based maintenance Exemplified for vibration-based maintenance in case companies

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop the steps required for establishing and running cost-effective condition-based maintenance (CBM) exemplified for vibration-based maintenance (VBM) and compared with real implementations in case companies. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on published knowledge and experience within condition monitoring (CM) and CBM, and three case studies. Findings - The study has shown that all three case companies are in a big need for systematic procedures for doing right things right, in the right time cost-effectively (establishing and running a cost-effective CBM). Research limitations/implications - The paper focuses on development of cost-effective CBM exemplified for VBM. Also, the case companies belong to three branches: paper and pulp mills, energy producer and engineering manufacturing. The case companies have different levels in applying CBM/VBM, experience and knowledge in CM and CBM. Practical implications - Systematic procedures for establishing CBM/VBM policy are developed, motivated and discussed in a way which enables the user to establish and run CBM/VBM policy cost-effectively. Originality/value - The steps of establishment of CBM/VBM provide a unique model for companies to establish and run cost-effective maintenance its originality.