Define the question first
Monitoring should address a known uncertainty, deterioration mechanism or service need.
Plan for data continuity
Sensors require power, communications, calibration, storage and ownership.
Avoid blind trust
Automated data should be checked against plausible ranges and independent observations where appropriate.
Plan the sensor lifecycle too
Monitoring equipment is itself an asset that needs maintenance, cybersecurity and eventual replacement.
Scope. This page explains asset-management concepts, not operating procedures for critical infrastructure. Inspection methods, intervention thresholds and safety decisions must follow the asset owner’s standards, local rules and qualified professional judgement.