A conversion system for use with a first monitoring system includes an interface module for receiving a plurality of hardware configuration settings associated with the first monitoring system and a conversion module coupled to the interface module for converting the plurality of hardware configuration settings into a plurality of software configuration settings for use in a second monitoring system. The plurality of hardware configuration settings are established to enable the first monitoring system to monitor the operation of a first machine, and the plurality of software configuration settings are established to enable the second monitoring system to monitor the operation of at least one of the first machine and a second machine.