noun
actual operating state; field conditions
Technical term used in engineering, manufacturing, or system monitoring to refer to real-world operating conditions as opposed to test or ideal conditions.
この装置は実稼働状態でテストする必要がある。
This device needs to be tested under actual operating conditions.
実稼働状態でのデータを収集しています。
We are collecting data under field conditions.
稼働状態 means 'operating state' in general, while 実稼働状態 specifically emphasizes real or actual conditions as opposed to simulated or ideal ones.
Compound of 実 (actual) + 稼働 (operation) + 状態 (state). A straightforward technical term with no known historical peculiarities.