Vibration Analysis is the backbone of all other predictive/proactive technologies, and is applicable to the most diverse range of industrial equipment of any of the predictive techniques. The best manufacturers of portable vibration analysis equipment provide modules within their software to integrate and track the results of other predictive or proactive equipment, oil sample analysis or rotor balancing systems for example. Vibration Analysis can identify the root cause of recurring equipment faults, and the solution of just one of these faults can in many cases recoup the capital cost of the equipment or service purchase.

Most mechanical faults with rotating equipment induce vibration, e.g. unbalance, misalignment, looseness caused by poor assembly or wear, deterioration of bearings, wear of gear teeth, etc. Vibration monitoring involves the periodic measurement of machine vibration, usually measured on bearing housings. Vibration levels are plotted against time to reveal deterioration in a machine.

Typically vibration monitoring gives around two month's warning of failure, hence to ensure faults are detected, monthly surveys are normal.