In this Ask the Expert session, our team covers what conditional maintenance is, how meters work in UpKeep, and how to set up triggers so work orders generate automatically when real usage thresholds are reached. This session includes live customer questions and real-world examples from fleet, manufacturing, and facilities teams.
What we cover
The difference between time-based and condition-based maintenance — and why it matters
How to create meters and link them to assets in UpKeep
How to enter meter readings manually, via CSV import, or through IoT/Edge automation
How to set up triggers that auto-generate work orders when thresholds are crossed
Key takeaways
Condition-based beats calendar-based: maintaining equipment based on actual usage — hours, cycles, mileage — reduces over-servicing and catches real wear before it causes downtime.
Setup does the work for you: once a meter and trigger are configured, UpKeep auto-generates work orders the moment a threshold is crossed — no manual tracking needed.
Consistent readings drive reliable automation: meters only work as well as the data going in. Follow these practices to keep your program accurate:
Enter meter readings on a consistent schedule — don't let them go weeks without an update
Link every meter to the correct asset and location
Align threshold values with OEM recommendations where available
Start simple: begin with your most critical assets and a single trigger per meter — add complexity after the foundation is working.
Setting up meters — at a glance
Creating a meter
Go to the Meters tab in the left sidebar
Give the meter a name and unit of measure (hours, cycles, miles, etc.)
Set a reading frequency (in days)
Assign it to a worker and link it to an asset
Select a category
Entering readings
Manually — add a reading directly in the app
Bulk import — upload readings via CSV file
Automatically — connect IoT sensors using UpKeep Edge
Best practices at a glance
For admins
Start with your highest-priority or most failure-prone assets
Align thresholds with manufacturer recommendations
Use work order templates so every auto-generated order is consistent
Set auto-assignment rules so work goes to the right person immediately
Review the meters table regularly to catch past-due readings
For technicians
Enter meter readings on schedule — don't let them accumulate
Update the work order status as work progresses
Log time, parts, and closeout notes accurately
Use NOVA to help generate detailed closeout notes without slowing down