From Downtime to Uptime: Exploring Predictive Maintenance as a Tool for Sustainable Supply Chain Optimization

In this study we elaborate on the role of IoT enabled predictive maintenance in supply chain sustainability with a particular emphasis on its effect on operation efficiency, savings and the environment. To conduct the research, in-depth interviews were held with industry professionals that were part of the implementation and management process for the predictive maintenance system within different sectors. The benefits of predictive maintenance as revealed, according to the findings, bring unplanned downtime and the absence of resources as well as preventing any emergency estate. Also, technology helps to prolong equipment life, reduce energy use, and minimize waste which is environmentally sustainable. However, although the study identified several associated challenges to implementing predictive maintenance, including high initial investment costs, technical complexity and special skills, predictive maintenance is still considered an attractive technology because of its above-mentioned advantages. In addition, the research shows that leadership, training, and new ideas around collaboration are important to successful adoption of predictive maintenance systems within organizations. Overall, the study suggests that the application of predictive maintenance is neither necessarily smooth nor devoid of difficulties, but for its long-term efficiency, cost reduction and sustainability cause this to be an integral supply chain optimization strategy. IoT technology keeps advancing, and its potential for predictive maintenance to spur progress of both innovation and environmental sustainability of the supply chain is increasing.