Which type of monitoring collects data continuously over time?

Continuous monitoring is essential for various applications, especially in vibration analysis and other real-time monitoring environments. This approach involves the ongoing collection of data over time without interruptions, enabling operators to track the performance and health of equipment continuously. By utilizing sensors that record data at set intervals, continuous monitoring allows for immediate detection of abnormalities or trends that may indicate a potential issue. This is particularly valuable for predictive maintenance, as it helps in identifying signs of wear or failure before they lead to unexpected breakdowns.

In contrast, discreet monitoring refers to capturing data at specific points in time, which can result in missing critical changes that occur between measurements. Active monitoring typically implies a level of intervention or responsiveness to changes, while periodic monitoring focuses on collecting data at regular intervals, which may lead to gaps in the data coverage and potentially overlook transient issues. Continuous monitoring stands out because it provides the most comprehensive and real-time insight into system performance.