Structural Health Monitoring has transformed the way engineers observe infrastructure—but are we still monitoring the right aspects at the right time? This article explores how the true value of embedded sensing extends far beyond continuous data collection. As bridges and other critical assets age, engineering priorities shift from construction quality and foundation behaviour to fatigue, deterioration and remaining service life. Rather than requiring new sensing systems, the same embedded sensors can answer entirely different questions throughout an asset's lifecycle. The article argues that the future of SHM lies not just in continuous monitoring, but in continuous understanding—creating infrastructure that builds a lasting engineering memory and supports better decisions from construction through decades of operation.