This article describes how to select and configure Maintenance Tasks, the fourth guided step in the RCM Analysis.
Step 4 addresses the second part of question six of the seven RCM questions: What can be done to predict or prevent each failure? Specifically, this step covers the maintenance tasks that form the "do maintenance" scenario. The economic evaluation (MEI) and risk reduction will be addressed in the next step.
The goal of Step 4 is to specify the maintenance tasks that most effectively reduce the probability and impact of equipment failure. The selection should be consistent with the findings from the Failure Effects and Strategy Decision Tree completed in Step 3.
These tasks typically come forward from four categories:
Category | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
Time Based tasks | TB | Time-based restores or repairs of the equipment |
Condition Monitoring tasks | CM | Check the condition of the equipment |
Condition Based tasks | CB | Repair or restore the equipment after a condition check |
Run-to-Failure task | RtF | Repair after the equipment has failed |
Note
Condition Monitoring (CM) and Condition Based (CB) tasks are typically used in combination.
Since Step 5 will compare the economics of the "no maintenance" and "do maintenance" scenarios, make sure all tasks for the "do maintenance" scenario are included — including any repair, overhaul, and spare parts tasks.
The effectiveness of a task depends on both the activities performed and the frequency. The reliability engineer and maintenance craft should work together to select a set of tasks whose effectiveness can later be translated into the Estimated Time Between Consequences.
Adding a Maintenance Task and a POC
To add a maintenance task to the Recommended Tasks list:
Click the Plus button at the top of the Recommended Tasks grid.
In the New Task dialog, fill in the fields as described in the Maintenance Task fields table below.
Click Save and add POC.
On the POC screen, enter the cost values for performing the maintenance task. If the task reconditions the equipment in a similar way to the "no maintenance" scenario, click Copy from PONC to pre-fill the values, then adjust as needed.
Click Save to store the task and its POC.
Repeat steps 1–5 for each maintenance task required for this failure mode.
When all Recommended Tasks have been defined, click MEI Calculations.
You have now completed Step 4 and can proceed to the MEI Calculation.
Creating a New Task
If the task you need is not available in the Task dropdown:
When the Task window opens, click the Plus button.
Enter preferred Task name.
Provide a task Description.
Select a Type for the new task.
Select a HSSE CE Category for the new task
Click Save.
The new task will then be available for selection.
Maintenance Task Fields
The following fields are available in the New Task dialog:
Field | Description |
|---|---|
Task | The maintenance task to be performed. Select from the dropdown list, or click the Plus button to create a new task if the one you need is not listed. |
Type | The category of the task: Condition Monitoring, Restoration Task, Discard Task, Failure Finding Task, Non-Schedule Maintenance, Redesign/Procedure. |
Frequency | How often the task is performed. The following frequencies do not require an interval: ASN (as needed), T/A (turnaround), INV (investigation), and OB (opportunity based). All other frequencies require an interval value. |
Interval | The numeric interval between task executions (for example, every 2 months, every 8 years). |
Start Date | The date from which the interval is counted (for example, the date of the last execution of the task). |
RWC | Responsible Work Centre — the team or discipline responsible for executing the task (for example, INS for Instrumentation). |
Is Mandatory | Select if the task is mandatory and cannot be skipped. |
TA Candidate | Select if the task is a candidate to be performed during a turnaround. |
Implementation System | The system in which the task will be registered for execution (for example, the TA system). |
Task Source | The origin of the task (for example, Maintenance Work Instruction). |
Description | A detailed description of what the task involves and the activities to be performed. |
Notes | Additional context about the task — for example, observation thresholds and the actions to take when those thresholds are exceeded (particularly useful for Condition Monitoring tasks). |
HSSE CE Category | Health, Safety, Security, and Environment – Consequence Evaluation category for the task. |
Applicable Technology | The technology or method used to carry out the task. |
GTC ID | Generic Task Catalogue identifier, if the task is linked to a standard catalogue entry. |
Instruction video
For a walkthrough of the guided steps, see RCM Analysis Guided Steps - Episode 7.