In today’s world, data is being generated at an unprecedented rate. This ever-growing stream of data is known as the big data phenomenon. And while the term “big data” may conjure up images of petabytes and exabytes of information, it’s not just the quantity of data that matters but also its variety. With so many different types of data available for analysis, businesses are increasingly looking to big data technologies to help them make sense of it all.
One such technology that has been gaining a lot of traction lately is anomaly detection. Anomaly detection is the process of identifying items in a dataset that don’t conform to normal patterns or expectations. In other words, it’s a way of detecting something out-of-the-ordinary in your data set.
This can be extremely valuable for businesses in a number of industries. For example, consider the field of predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance is a technique used by companies to prevent equipment failures by predicting when they’re likely to occur. And since unexpected failures can be very costly for businesses, anomaly detection can be a valuable tool for helping with this process.
In this article, we will deal with anomaly detection, its role within predictive maintenance, as well as the difference between the latter and its prescriptive counterpart. Let’s dive in.
The Difference Between Predictive and Prescriptive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance and prescriptive maintenance are two different approaches that can be used to manage the maintenance of equipment and machinery. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to understand the differences between them in order to choose the best approach for your needs.
Predictive maintenance relies on data collection and analysis in order to identify potential problems before they occur. This allows for proactive maintenance, which can prevent equipment failures and downtime. However, predictive maintenance can be costly and time-consuming, as it requires specialized skills and knowledge. In addition, data collection and analysis can be challenging in some environments.
Prescriptive maintenance is a more reactive approach that relies on waiting for equipment to fail before taking action. This can lead to higher costs and more downtime, as well as increased safety risks. However, prescriptive maintenance is often easier to implement than predictive maintenance, and it does not require the same level of specialized skills and knowledge.
Predictive maintenance is the better option if you are looking to avoid equipment failures and downtime. However, prescriptive maintenance may be a better option if you are looking for an easier way to implement maintenance or if you do not have the specialized skills and knowledge required for predictive maintenance.
The Benefits of Predictive and Prescriptive Mainteince
Standard benefits:
- Predictive maintenance can prevent equipment failures and downtime.
- Prescriptive maintenance is a more reactive approach that relies on waiting for equipment to fail before taking action.
Emotional benefits:
- Predictive maintenance allows you to plan for potential problems and avoid them.
- Prescriptive maintenance can be frustrating, but it is often easier to implement than predictive maintenance.
Practical benefits:
- Predictive maintenance requires specialized skills and knowledge.
- Prescriptive maintenance does not require the same level of specialized skills and knowledge.
Cost benefits:
- Predictive maintenance can be costly and time-consuming.
- Prescriptive maintenance often leads to higher costs and more downtime.
Anomaly Detection Predictive Maintenance – General And Applications
Anomaly detection is the identification of items, events, or observations that do not conform to an expected pattern or norm. In the context of predictive maintenance, anomaly detection can be used to identify potential failures in a system before they occur.
This can be done through the use of machine learning algorithms that are trained to identify patterns in historical data. Once these patterns have been identified, the algorithm can be used to identify any new data points that do not conform to the established pattern and, therefore, may be indicative of a future failure.
There are a number of different methods that can be used for anomaly detection in predictive maintenance applications. One common approach is to use a threshold-based method, which compares each new data point against a threshold value that has been established based on historical data. Data points that fall below the threshold are considered to be within the expected pattern, while data points that exceed the threshold are considered to be anomalies.
Another approach that can be used for anomaly detection is called outlier detection. Outlier detection involves identifying unusual data points that do not seem to fit into the overall pattern. Outlier detection can be performed using various techniques, such as distance-based methods or density-based methods.
Once anomalies have been identified, they need to be investigated in order to determine whether they represent a genuine problem with the system. This typically involves looking at the historical data associated with the anomaly and trying to identify what caused it.
Anomaly detection is a powerful tool that can be used for predictive maintenance. However, it is essential to note that not all anomalies will necessarily indicate a future failure. Therefore, it is important to investigate any anomalies that are identified in order to determine whether they represent a genuine problem. If they do, then steps can be taken to address the problem and prevent future failure. If not, then the anomaly can be safely ignored.
Methods In Detecting Anomalies and Predictive Maintenance
Anomaly detection represents the detection of unusual data patterns that point toward some type of problem. It has a wide range of applications, from detecting fraud to diagnosing equipment failures. In predictive maintenance, anomaly detection can be used to identify potential equipment failures before they occur.
There are many different ways to detect anomalies, but the most common approach is to use statistical methods. This involves looking at the data and identifying points that are far from the average or expected value. These outliers can then be investigated further to see if they represent a real problem.
One of the most popular statistical methods for anomaly detection is called principal component analysis (PCA). This technique transforms the data into a new space where the variance is maximized. This makes it easier to identify outliers, as they will be further from the average in this new space.
Another common approach is to use clustering algorithms. These algorithms group data points together that are similar to each other. Anomalies will then be data points that are not similar to any other point in the data set.
Anomaly detection can also be used to monitor the health of an entire system. This is often done in industrial settings where there are many different pieces of equipment that need to be monitored. Identifying anomalies in the data makes it possible to identify potential problems with the system as a whole.
Conclusion
Anomaly detection is a powerful tool that can be used for predictive maintenance. It involves identifying unusual patterns in data that may indicate some type of problem. There are many different ways to detect anomalies, but the most common approach is to use statistical methods. This involves looking at the data and identifying points that are far from the average or expected value. These outliers can then be investigated further to see if they represent a real problem.
Apply it as soon as you can, and reap the benefits.
Author bio
Rick Seidl is a digital marketing specialist with a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media and communications, based in Portland, Oregon. He carries a burning passion for digital marketing, social media, small business development, and establishing its presence in a digital world. He is currently quenching his thirst through writing about digital marketing and business strategies for Find Digital Agency.
