In the world of industrial reliability and predictive maintenance (PdM), the terminology we use reflects how we think about innovation and results. One phrase that’s shifting for a good reason is the move from “proof of concept” (PoC) to “proof of value” (PoV). The proof of concept discussion has been settled. Predictive maintenance works.
At I-care, this change isn’t just about semantics — it’s about aligning with what truly matters to our customers. Clients who invest in PdM solutions expect measurable, sustainable business outcomes, which is precisely what I-care delivers.
Traditionally, proof of concept focused on whether a technology could work in theory. We know that I-care’s solutions work. Now, the goal is to show companies that our solutions deliver tangible business value fast.
Proof of Value Shows Results, Not Just Possibility
Predictive maintenance is a great example of the difference between proof of value and proof of concept.
At I-care, when we implement PdM for clients, we aim to show value from the start. Even if a facility is in a low maturity or firefighting mode, PdM helps prioritize actions based on real-time insights. This approach supports better decision-making and reduces unnecessary maintenance.
The capabilities of predictive maintenance are undeniable. Transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance enables organizations to avoid safety concerns, reduce unplanned downtime and maximize equipment lifespan.
I-care demonstrates how PdM immediately improves KPIs like uptime, spare parts management and planning accuracy. Addressing these metrics is a tested pathway to increase reliability and profitability.
Data-Driven Value in Less Than a Year
Industrial clients want to see value, and they want to see it fast. I-care strives to deliver strong, tangible ROI in less than a year. However, each client’s time to value will vary depending on the state of their current maintenance approach (e.g., reactive vs. preventive) and their industry.
For industries like pharmaceuticals, the path to tangible, impactful value is often shorter. If I-care catches just two defects and avoids 2 hours of downtime, the ROI is huge because of the costs associated with pharmaceutical production. The path to value for the food industry would be very different. Food and beverage manufacturers expect some spoilage and waste. As such, PdM solutions must catch a larger number of defects and avoid more downtime to deliver a strong ROI.
Fortunately, the benefits of PdM compound over time. As more data is collected, predictive maintenance technology evolves and becomes smarter. This long-term value creation is only possible when the technology provider understands how to turn raw data into strategic guidance and actionable insights.
A Competitive Advantage Rooted in Value
The shift to proof of value reflects I-care’s commitment to a customer-centric view of technology adoption. Companies no longer have time to experiment with concepts. If they’re going to invest in PdM hardware and software, they need to see a clear path to value.
Predictive maintenance delivers just that when implemented with the right partner. At I-care, we don’t just show that PdM works — we prove that it can work for your business by delivering direct value.
This article was contributed by Maxime Limbourg, VP Marketing, I-care Group.