An edge device monitors a mechanical system for changes in vibration state. When an overall vibration state of the mechanical system deviates by at least a threshold from an expected vibration state, the edge device can send the data to a server for diagnostic processing. The edge device can thus monitor for a pre-failure condition that suggests an upcoming failure or a need for service. With selective sending of sensor data, the bandwidth and processing associated with diagnostics can be reserved for situations more likely indicative of a condition needing diagnosing, rather than performing constant diagnostic processing.