A system and process for predicting the failure of a machine begins with the step of loading a slope signature library into the control system, in which the slope signature library correlates time-to-failure based on rates of change of one or more measured conditions. The process includes the steps of activating the machine, determining baseline measurements, and detecting an out-of-spec measurement. Once an out-of-spec measurement is made, the process includes the determination of the rate of change for the out-of-spec measurement. A slope signature is calculated based on the rate of change for the measured condition, which is compared against the slope signature library to determine a predicted time-to-failure based on the calculated slope signature, and outputting the predicted time-to-failure. The process can be used to modify the operation of the machine to extend the predicted time-to-failure.