diagnostics and prognostics

Diagnostics involves identifying what’s wrong with a system or device when it’s not functioning properly by analyzing data or symptoms. Prognostics, on the other hand, predicts how long a system will continue to operate effectively and estimates when failures might occur. Together, they help maintain equipment, prevent failures, and plan repairs proactively. Diagnostics answer the "what’s wrong?" question, while prognostics address "how soon might it fail?" Both are essential for effective maintenance and ensuring systems operate reliably and safely.