Key performance indicators in the conventional sense are imagined as a set of numerical data points referring to performance parameters of machines. Since the 1990s there has been a radical change in the representation of data with the use of graphing and technologically advanced monitoring methods. Instead of analysing hundreds of data points numerically, graphical analysis offers a visual form of the same data which can be analysed easily by the professionals.

It can be established from the previous statement that graphical analysis saves a lot of time that would have, otherwise been spent in going through numerical information. With the advancement in technology and tools such as Big data and Artificial Intelligence large amounts of data can be grouped together and analysed with intelligent systems. Such technology also has the ability to identify desired data points for a certain purpose.

In the area of machine maintenance, the performance of machines can be more easily monitored, ordered and corrected with advancement in metrics and data analysis. The root cause of failure occurring in particular machines can be represented with ease in the technologically updated system. This revolution marks a huge leap in the road to faster, reliable and quality maintenance management. The use of smart alarm systems in machines with remote stop switches ensure that the safety of the workers is increased. Visual representations of data are also make it easier to be explained to the maintenance department workers and to convey them the root cause of failure and how to tackle it in the future. This analysis leads to higher productivity and efficiency.