RCM Hierarchy

The highest hierarchy levels in IMS are Site, Plant and Unit. The hierarchy level below the unit is the Functional Location (FLOC). They can have multiple levels and a “nested” structure. FLOCs are known from a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Software) like SAP. Under the FLOC, single or multiple pieces of Equipment can be defined.

The Production Loss Equation (PLE) is defined on Unit level. The PLE is assigned to a Functional Failure under the System and then used in the RCM Analysis to estimate the downtime cost.

RCM Systems are created under the Unit. They group FLOCs / Equipment together. Here we can prioritize the FLOC / Equipment and do a Failure Mode and Effect Analysis. When this is done the RCM Analysis can be started.

The RCM Analysis can be executed in 5 guided steps; or it is possible to copy in a predetermined RCM Analysis, which is a more generalized RCM Analysis called a Reliability Strategy Library (RSL), also referred to as "Maintenance Library". Equipment are scheduled for periodic Preventive maintenance actions. In addition, Corrective Schedules can be used to plan repairs.

In IMS RCM Schedules can be created on either FLOC or Equipment level. Multiple Schedules can be credited in an Equipment Condition History (ECH). The maintenance actions can be tracked and results recorded via a Dynamic Form Checklist. Planned Events are predetermined activities, like turnarounds. Schedules and associated Equipment Condition Histories (ECHs) can be grouped together for Planned Events.

The Manage Equipment Care (MEC) board enables a graphic overview of the preventive tasks and allows for further alignment.

When enabled the Change and Deferral module enables the creation, approval and implementation of Change and Deferral requests. Steps in the Change and Deferral workflow are linked to predefined users with authorization levels and are supported by informative e-mail messages to the users involved.