Abstract: An exemplary predictive maintenance method comprises a step of generating a default signature for a machine based on simulations of the machine, a step of comparing the default signature to readings of the machine in operation, a step of determining whether a default will occur to the machine as it continues to operate, and a step of controlling the machine so that it operates in a normal mode or avoids the default.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method therefor for continuously positioning an article, for example a carton blank delivered from one feed stream relative to a second article, for example an insert blank delivered from a second feed stream comprising one or more sensors to detect the respective positions of the first and second portions upstream of where the streams converge, correction means to correct the position of the second article relative to the first article, and a controller to determine the amount of adjustment required and to control the correction means accordingly.