The 3 Best Waites Sensor Technologies Alternatives

Waites offers a wireless condition monitoring service built around its SM6 vibration/temperature sensors, cloud software, and a 24/7 analyst team that interprets data and advises maintenance actions. The pitch centers on plug-and-play deployment, fast time-to-value, and minimal IT requirements for mid-market operations and facilities teams. 

That said, the platform’s current focus appears to be limited to vibration and temperature monitoring, and details about hazardous-area certifications are not clearly published. Installation relies on adhesive or stud-based mounting, which requires a cure time before full operation, and diagnostic insights depend largely on human analysis rather than fully automated intelligence.

As reliability programs mature and begin to require autonomous AI, multi-technique coverage, and integrated maintenance workflows, many teams find that Waites’ analyst-dependent model can create ongoing reliance on external expertise. It also offers limited depth for larger or more complex programs that need support for variable-speed or RPM assets, advanced APM toolsets, and unified work management. As a result, many organizations evaluate broader solutions that expand capabilities and reduce operational dependency.

Public pricing and independent customer validation are scarce, making budgeting and due diligence difficult. However, researching your options and asking the right questions of providers is vital for understanding the relative benefits and drawbacks of any specific platform and facility management solutions. Ultimately, you need to make a selection, and it needs to be the right one. 

That’s why we’ve dug in and done some of the hard work for you.

Why Teams Are Exploring Waites Alternatives?

While some teams start with Waites for a quick path into wireless monitoring, they reevaluate as their programs mature. They want instant, autonomous diagnostics instead of analyst queues, broader sensing capabilities, and hazardous area readiness, as well as a platform that turns detection into actionable work without requiring additional tools. 

Budget owners also look for transparent pricing and third-party proof to model total cost and risk with confidence. The themes below reflect the most common triggers that lead organizations to explore alternatives.

Manual analysis dependency: The Waites model relies heavily on human analysts to interpret data, which users report can be slow, labor-intensive, and prone to delays compared to real-time AI-driven systems. This perpetual need for outside experts creates vendor dependency and latency between a developing fault and when the maintenance team is alerted.

Limited sensing capabilities: The SM6 sensor monitors only vibration and surface temperature, with no ability to track RPM or other parameters. It lacks multi-technology inputs like oil analysis or ultrasound. This narrow scope means important insights on variable-speed machinery or non-vibration failure modes can be missed, reducing diagnostic accuracy.

Deployment constraints: The absence of hazardous-area certifications (ATEX, Class I Div) prevents the use of Waites in explosive environments, such as oil & gas or chemical plants. Additionally, sensors must be epoxied in place, which requires surface preparation and hours of curing. Once installed, they are difficult to reposition as equipment or monitoring needs change. These factors limit Waites’ flexibility and the industries it can safely serve.

No public track record: Waites has virtually zero public customer reviews or case studies on sites like G2, Capterra, or Reddit, an absence that raises credibility concerns for a company claiming hundreds of major clients. Teams are hesitant to invest in a platform without third-party validation of its results.

Pricing transparency concerns: Waites provides no public pricing information or even a ballpark cost estimate. All deployments require custom quotes, making it impossible to self-serve a cost estimate. This opacity complicates budgeting and ROI comparison with other vendors, especially given Waites markets itself as “a fraction of the cost” of competitors without providing numbers to back it.

Key Capabilities to Prioritize When Replacing Waites

The strongest replacements solve the gaps without creating new ones. Focus on platforms that unify monitoring with true APM, so investigation, decision-making, and action all live in one place. Look for autonomous diagnostics that deliver clear next steps, native maintenance workflows that create and track work orders, and sensors that capture operating context in tougher environments. Transparent pricing and a visible track record make budgeting and risk evaluation straightforward.

• Comprehensive Asset Performance Management: A unified platform that goes beyond basic vibration monitoring, combining data from multiple condition monitoring techniques (vibration, temperature, oil analysis, ultrasound, etc.) with reliability tools like failure mode libraries (FMEA), root cause analysis (RCA), and asset health scoring. This ensures you’re not limited to one data source and can manage overall asset reliability in one place.
• Automated AI diagnostics (with expert backup): Built-in machine learning that can detect dozens of failure modes in real time, providing immediate fault diagnoses and actionable alerts without waiting on human analysis. The best systems offer optional expert review on request, rather than making human intervention the default for every alert. This way, your team gains instant insights while still having access to an expert when a particularly complex issue arises.
• Native maintenance workflow integration: The monitoring solution should integrate seamlessly with maintenance workflows, ideally through a built-in or well-integrated CMMS. This enables the automatic generation of work orders from sensor alerts and the closed-loop tracking of issues from detection through resolution. It eliminates the friction of manual data transfer and ensures critical alerts actually result in maintenance actions.
• Industrial-grade vibration sensors: Look for hardware that can handle more and endure more than Waites’ sensors. For example, devices with intrinsically safe ratings for hazardous areas, support for tracking operational context like RPM, and flexible mounting (magnetic or bolt-on) that allows easy relocation. Multi-sensor units or the ability to add additional sensing capabilities (like acoustic, electrical, or thermal data) can greatly expand the insights beyond simple vibration/temp.
• Proven results and track record: Choose vendors with a documented history of delivering measurable gains. Look for case studies, customer success stories, and third-party reviews that show real-world outcomes like reduced downtime, increased OEE, and strong ROI.

Waites Alternatives at a Glance

Top 3 Waites Sensor Technologies Alternatives

Below, we examine three leading alternatives to Waites, what types of operations they suit best, how their features and approach differ, and important pros, cons, and pricing details for each.

Tractian

Best for: Teams that want a powerful, sensor-first reliability solution that delivers autonomous diagnostics at the asset level, while also connecting seamlessly to a full APM/maintenance solution natively.

Tractian is an AI-driven condition-based maintenance solution that pairs smart wireless sensors with an expansive software platform. As a unified system, the company’s Smart Trac Ultra sensors continuously measure vibration, temperature, runtime, and RPM, streaming data to a cloud APM platform that includes an integrated CMMS. Unlike service-dependent models, Tractian’s AI automatically detects over 70 failure modes in the incoming data, instantly diagnosing issues ranging from bearing wear to misalignment. 

The platform consolidates all predictive maintenance information, vibration trends, lubricant analysis results, thermography, and ultrasound checks into a single timeline and dashboard for each asset. Maintenance teams receive real-time health scores and alerts, along with specific fault identification, rather than just raw data. 

Tractian delivers the advanced insights of a top-tier reliability program without requiring users to manually interpret spectra or wait for an off-site analyst’s report.

What truly sets Tractian apart is the breadth of its Asset Performance Management capabilities relative to Waites. The system comes with modules for failure mode libraries (FMEA), root cause analysis guidance, automated work order generation, and even AI-assisted asset criticality ranking. This means that when Tractian’s sensors detect an anomaly, the platform not only flags it but also helps the team understand the likely cause and recommended fix (drawing on a library of proven solutions). 

Key features

• AI Auto-Diagnosis (70+ failure modes): Real-time, plain-language diagnostics that identify the fault, severity, and recommended next steps without waiting on analyst queues. Day-to-day alerts are autonomous. Supervised Analysis is available only when a complex spectrum needs expert eyes.
• Unified APM suite (not just monitoring): Built-in failure-mode libraries (FMEA), RCA workflows, asset health scoring, and a single multi-tech timeline that consolidates vibration, temperature, oil analysis, ultrasound, and thermography, so investigation and decision-making happen in one place.
• Native CMMS and closed-loop execution: Sensor insights automatically create prioritized work orders with procedures, bi-directional status, and a full audit trail. This removes swivel-chair handoffs and ensures every alert is tracked through to resolution.
• Operating context for accuracy and prioritization: RPM and runtime context improve detection on variable-speed assets and sharpen prioritization, pushing the highest-risk machines to the top so technicians spend time where it moves uptime the most.
• Fast rollout with predictable scaling: Wireless, IT-light deployment means minutes-per-sensor install and rapid time-to-value. Transparent per-sensor subscription keeps budgeting straightforward as you expand across lines and sites.

Why real customers choose Tractian over Waites

• “Tractian's AI eliminates the need for time-consuming program setup and analysis. With the right technical information, I was able to get valuable insights within a few weeks. Tractian is agile with platform and AI updates based on the feedback provided from the end user.” Jacob H., Heavy End User, Reliability Engineer
• “Easy to use and understand. Helpful for showing non-reliability trained teammates issues with assets.” Verified Enterprise User in Food & Beverages
• “What I like best about Tractain is the designated customer success rep who helps work through issues and provides guidance in addition to the AI insights generated.” And, “Since implementation vibration levels on selected equipment has been lowered to more acceptable levels, decreasing unplanned downtime.” Verified User in Mining & Metals

Why companies choose Tractian over Waites

• “Nothing was too much trouble for them, and they went to the 'nth' degree to understand Lyka's business and asset care short- & long-term strategic plan. This level of seeking to understand made the implementation particularly user friendly.” Andy B. Mid-Market ELT, Lyka
• “We’ve been nothing but pleased... the services, the responses, the information, the data—everything has just been great.” Chris Collins, VP of North America Operations, Great Plains Manufacturing
• “What matters most to us is keeping the animals safe and healthy. Tractian helps us do that by giving us a clear window into the health of our equipment, so we can act early and avoid surprises. That peace of mind has been a game changer for our team.” LSS Team Member at Georgia Aquarium

Pro and Cons at a Glance

How much does Tractian cost?

Tractian offers custom, subscription-based pricing for its condition monitoring sensors, with dedicated sales consultations to match each deployment to the customer’s operational needs. Teams can request a quote without a credit card and typically achieve full setup and measurable ROI within just a few months.

SEMEQ

Best for: Plants in harsh or hazardous environments that prefer a full-service predictive maintenance partner combining rugged sensors, lab-grade oil analysis, on-site inspectors, and prescriptive recommendations integrated with SAP or Maximo.

SEMEQ delivers a service-forward model that layers rugged wireless sensors with laboratory oil analysis, ultrasound, thermography, and on-site inspections. 

Its EX-rated, IP-protected hardware supports deployment in challenging environments, and the company’s large historical dataset helps triage findings before human specialists validate conditions and recommend actions. The approach emphasizes external expertise and scheduled touchpoints, with results organized through the MySemeq portal and pushed into client CMMS/ERP systems for work order creation.

For teams that prefer a vendor to handle significant portions of diagnosis and follow-through, this can reduce internal lift. The trade-offs are typical of a service-heavy motion: day-to-day cadence often hinges on analyst availability, budgeting requires quote-based engagements rather than published pricing, and digital self-service is less central than coordinated reports and visits. 

As programs mature and seek quicker, autonomous feedback cycles or uniform rollouts across many assets with minimal scheduling overhead, these dependencies can require additional planning to maintain speed. 

Key features

• EX and IP69K hardware for hazardous and washdown environments where standard sensors are not allowed.
• Multi-tech monitoring that combines vibration with lab oil analysis, ultrasound, thermography, and motor circuit testing.
• Analyst and on-site inspections that validate findings, add operating context, and guide repair decisions through coordinated touchpoints.
• Rugged, maintainable design with replaceable batteries that support long service life across large fleets.

Real Customer Gaps with SEMEQ

As of October 2025, teams implementing SEMEQ’s service-led monitoring likely discover several operational gaps in their condition monitoring deployment. 

• Automated diagnostic intelligence: Day-to-day insights depend on analyst-led reviews rather than instant, in-app conclusions. Alerts and recommendations are coordinated through service touchpoints, so diagnostic clarity does not arrive autonomously in real time for routine issues. 
• Comprehensive reliability management: Multi-tech inputs exist, yet the software layer does not operate as a single APM workspace with native FMEA, RCA, and a unified timeline that merges vibration, oil, ultrasound, and thermography data. Investigation and action span reports, a portal, and external CMMS or ERP systems, rather than a single consolidated environment. 
• Self-service deployment at scale: Rollouts, sensor moves, and follow-through are organized through scheduled visits and coordinated analyst workflows. Incremental expansion and day-to-day adjustments are shaped by a service cadence, and not a self-serve model where teams can add coverage and see immediate changes independently. 

Pro and Cons at a Glance

How much does SEMEQ cost?

Pricing is customized and typically includes bundles of hardware, lab services, on-site visits, and integration work. Expect premium, contract-based subscriptions that scale with sites and asset counts. SEMEQ emphasizes ROI through breakdown reduction and asset life extension, so request module-level cost breakdowns to model the total cost of ownership.

Fluke

Best for: Organizations with existing eMaint CMMS deployments seeking integrated condition monitoring from a trusted measurement brand with established support networks.

Fluke Reliability combines the 3563 Analysis Vibration Sensor system with their eMaint CMMS platform, offering one of the few integrated sensor-to-work-order solutions comparable to Tractian. The piezoelectric sensors deliver high-resolution spectral analysis (2-10,000 Hz) with customizable frequency bands for detailed fault investigation. Through the LIVE-Asset Portal, teams can configure both broadband and narrowband alarms targeting specific fault frequencies.

While offering powerful analysis capabilities for experienced reliability engineers, Fluke's solution requires more expertise than fully automated alternatives. The combination of trusted Fluke sensor quality with eMaint's maintenance management creates a comprehensive solution, though current availability issues and lack of pricing transparency may complicate procurement.

Key features

• High-resolution piezoelectric sensing: Advanced spectral analysis with customizable frequency bands for detailed diagnostics.
• eMaint CMMS integration: Automatic work order creation from vibration alarms within a unified platform.
• Flexible deployment options: 8 or 16 sensor kits with wireless gateways supporting 20 sensors each.
• Expert configuration support: Remote or on-site setup services from Fluke Reliability specialists.
• Trusted measurement heritage: Fluke’s instrumentation expertise applied to continuous monitoring.

What real customers say about Fluke

• One reviewer writes, “With fluke connect we easily view and store data also can track accuracy of that instruments. Save time during test instrument. Such a useful tool when performing in hazardous area.” But, “It's not compatible with all devices and equipments need to upgrade software with using like all devices. need training to use this. Sometimes thers problem pairing with devices.” Verified Small Business User in Oil & Energy
• “The disadvantage is the devices shall be in range to get the data, or it will cut off. It is a good product as it doesn't consume a large workforce.” Nikhil V., Small Business Partnerships Manager

Pro and Cons at a Glance

How much does Fluke cost?

Fluke requires quotes with no current public pricing. Historical European data suggests approximately $10,000-12,000 for a 16-sensor system with first-year software, plus $25-30 per sensor monthly for ongoing subscriptions. The model combines hardware purchase (sensors, gateways, mounting) with recurring eMaint Condition Monitoring platform fees. Current availability issues may affect procurement timelines.

Why Tractian is the Smarter Choice Compared to Waites

Waites relies on analyst-led interpretation of vibration and temperature data, which can cause delays, foster vendor dependency, and limit coverage as reliability programs grow. Tractian replaces that bottleneck with automated diagnostics across 70+ failure modes, adds operating context such as RPM for greater accuracy, and unifies APM and CMMS so that every alert becomes a tracked work order without needing extra tools. The outcome is faster decision-making, clearer accountability, and real, measurable uptime gains with fewer systems to manage.

Deployment speed and scalability are equally important. Waites requires analyst setup and ongoing service interaction, while Tractian sensors install in minutes and begin streaming data instantly. Tractian’s multi-technology consolidation and built-in workflows minimize integration overhead and keep technicians operating within one system from detection to resolution.

Most critically, Tractian delivers what enterprise reliability programs need:

• Automated diagnostics with plain-language next steps and optional expert backup only when needed
• A complete APM layer with FMEA and RCA alongside multi-tech timelines in one platform
• Native CMMS that turns insights into prioritized work and closes the loop with audit trails
• Operating context that improves signal quality on variable-speed assets and focuses effort where it moves uptime the most
• Pricing model that supports fast approvals and predictable scaling across lines and sites

Book a demo and see what your team can achieve with truly autonomous condition monitoring.

FAQs about Waites

1. Does Waites provide automated diagnostics without human analyst review?

No. Waites relies on its analyst-led interpretations of vibration and temperature data before guidance is delivered. This creates dependence on analyst availability rather than instant, autonomous AI insights.

2. Does Waites include a native CMMS for work order management?

No. Waites focuses on monitoring. Work orders must be created in a separate CMMS through integrations or manual handoffs, which adds steps between detection and execution.

3. How can I evaluate the true cost of condition monitoring solutions?

Build a total cost view that includes sensor subscriptions, gateways and connectivity, CMMS licensing, integrations, data storage, training, and optional expert services. Add field-service items such as battery replacements or hazardous-rated hardware when required. Compare pricing models by asset or by sensor, check contract terms and trial options, and weigh vendor dependency costs against autonomous capabilities and time to value.

Ask whether pricing includes automated diagnostics or requires human analyst fees, whether the CMMS is native or requires a separate purchase, and if there are hidden costs for data storage, user licenses, or expert support that could significantly impact your total cost of ownership. Tractian offers a pricing estimator for sensors per asset.

4. How quickly can Tractian sensors be deployed and put into operation?

Installation time is typically a few minutes per sensor, with no heavy IT setup required. Most teams reach full operational status within approximately two weeks, including the initial baseline period, so alerts and work orders begin to flow quickly.