Rising costs, volatile supply chains, and tighter maintenance budgets are reshaping how industrial companies approach lubrication. Klüber Lubrication is responding with digital solutions that can help customers make data-driven maintenance decisions and extend lubricant and equipment lifetime.
“Under current economic conditions, it is no longer enough to follow fixed service intervals,” explains Alexander Leis, Head of Beyond Lubrication Business at Klüber Lubrication. “What matters is understanding the real condition of the lubricant when operating and acting at the right moment.”
From fixed intervals to condition-based decisions
Traditional lubrication practices often rely on calendar‑based oil changes, which can result in lubricants being replaced either too early or too late.
“Our goal is to use lubricant intelligently. If data shows that a lubricant is still performing within specification, its service life can be safely extended. If signs of degradation appear early, action can be taken before damage occurs”, explains Alexander Leis.
To support this, Klüber Lubrication combines two digital services: LuCA (Lubricant Condition Analysis) and OCM (Online Condition Monitoring).
Laboratory depth and real-time monitoring
LuCA provides laboratory-based oil and grease analyses via Klüber Lubrication’s laboratories globally. Customers can digitally register samples, track results, and analyze trends through the EfficiencyManager platform. Analyses deliver insight into key parameters such as viscosity, oxidation, additive condition, and contamination.
OCM complements this with continuous, sensor-based monitoring directly at the machine. Wireless sensors capture vibration and temperature data, while advanced configurations monitor oil condition in real time.
A key output is the calculation of Remaining Useful Lifetime, enabling maintenance planning based on actual condition.
Economic and operational benefits
Used together, LuCA and OCM provide a more comprehensive view of lubricant and machine condition—reducing unnecessary oil changes, lowering the risk of unplanned downtime, and maximizing the value of high-performance lubricants.
“In times of cost pressure, condition-based lubrication is a clear competitive advantage,” concludes Alexander Leis.
Both services are available via the EfficiencyManager platform and can be tailored to critical assets and applications.
Please contact your Klüber Lubrication representative to learn more about smart lubrication.