Maintenance is fairly straight forward for most automatic lubrication systems. For electro-mechanically driven systems spare lubrication or lubrication cartages are needed. For electro-chemical systems a pressure chamber is also needed. Electro-chemical systems are sometimes cost-effective to the point where the entire lubrication unit can be replaced at the end of its life. When lubricating open gearing the best additional component to consider is lubrication gear. This is a gear made from felt or a similar absorbent material that lubrication is pumped through. This method ensures even distribution of lubrication across gear teeth. Many varieties of mounting shafts, hoses, splitters, distributors and check valves are available to complete the automatic system. How should gear customers approach a lubrication strategy in 2025? The range of automatic systems on the market is very wide. Solutions can be found for any type of application and for any budget. Taking the extra step to account for proper lubrication should be considered by every mechanical system designer using open gearing. Maintaining the life and precision of the gearing can be extremely simple. How will lubrication systems change in the future? There have been many advancements in recent years connecting mechanical components to digital technologies. Industry 4.0, for example, focuses on smart manufacturing and an Internet of Things. We could expect there to be continued developments where automatic lubrication systems provide more feedback in real time when combined with feedback from the other machinal components.