This article explains how to import and update RCM data in bulk using the IMS Import Wizard.
Use the RCM import functionality to update existing RCM analyses, add new Failure Modes and Tasks, and create new Analyses for existing Equipment or FLOCs.
You can specifically select the following import types relevant for RCM:
FLOC - Create or update FLOCs.
Equipment - Create or update Equipment.
RCM Analysis - Create or update Analyses and Tasks.
Schedule - Create schedules.
Condition History - Import Equipment condition history
System - Create Systems, Functions, and Functional Failures.
System Equipment - Assign FLOCs and Equipment to Systems.
For large-scale updates, importing data is faster and more reliable than updating analyses manually.
Note
For general information about the Import Wizard, general workflow instructions, templates, validation, mappings, and import troubleshooting, see Importing Data via Settings.
RCM Analysis Import
Prerequisites for RCM Analysis Import
Before importing RCM Analyses:
Ensure you use the correct import type.
Favor using Export for Import whenever possible.
Note
You can review and update RCM Analyses using a variety of available functionalities, such as the Copy/Paste Analysis Wizard. However, using the Export for Import templates provide examples of the data to be entered, some of the columns are validated to help you enter correct data, and the cells themselves are already preformatted as dates or numbers, where applicable.
The target FLOC or Equipment must already exist in IMS.
Note
The RCM Analysis Import does not create new FLOCs or Equipment. To create those objects, you need to use the dedicated FLOC and Equipment import types.
The FLOC or Equipment must already be assigned to a System. Use the System Equipment import if bulk assignment is required.
Configuration objects (such as Failure Modes, Frequencies, or Task Definitions) must already exist. The import will not create unknown configuration values automatically.
Recommended Workflow
For most updates, do the following:
Export existing analysis data using Export for Import.
Modify the exported Excel file.
Import the updated file using the RCM Analysis import type.
Exporting RCM Analyses
Before updating data, export the existing analyses.
Using an exported file:
reduces mapping errors,
preserves required identifiers,
and provides valid example data.
To export an existing analysis, do the following:
Click Analysis to go to the Analysis Main Screen.
On the grid, select the analyses you want to export.
Click the Export button.
When the Export dialog opens, select the Export for Import option.
You have now downloaded an editable Excel file. The export may contain more rows than the number of Analyses shown in the grid because related Tasks are included.
Importing Workflow
Use the following workflow for all RCM imports.
Edit the specific fields you need to update and save changes in the previously downloaded Excel file.
Go to Settings > Data Transfer > Import Data.
Click Browse to select the Excel file.
Select RCM Analysis as the import type.
Complete the Import Wizard steps.
Resolve any validation issues.
Finalize the import.
For detailed Import Wizard instructions, see Importing Data.
Updating Existing Analyses
Use exported data when updating existing analyses. Do not modify or remove identifier fields from existing rows unless explicitly instructed. These identifiers are required for the import to match and update existing records.
These are the most probable use cases where you will update existing analyses:
Updating free-text fields.
Updating Frequencies.
Updating a Task name with an existing name in IMS.
Updating ETBF and ETBC values.
Update Free-Text Fields
In existing analyses, you typically update free-text fields such as remarks, descriptions, recommendations, and comments.
Update the relevant text fields in the exported Excel file, then reimport the file using the RCM Analysis import type.
Update Frequencies
You can update the Frequency assigned to existing Tasks.
To do so, update the relevant Frequency fields in the exported Excel file, then reimport the file using the RCM Analysis import type.
Update Task Names
You can update Task names and descriptions for existing Tasks.
To do so, update the Task name fields in the exported Excel file, then reimport the file using the RCM Analysis import type.
Update ETBF or ETBC values
You can update the ETBF (Estimated Time Between Failures) and ETBC (Estimated Time Between Consequences).
To do so, update the ETBF or ETBC fields in the exported Excel file, then reimport the file using the RCM Analysis import type.
Creating New Analyses
Use the export file as a template when creating new data. Copy existing rows to maintain the correct structure and required fields. Before importing, make sure to remove example lines that do not need updating.
These are the most probable use cases where you will create new analyses:
Creating new Tasks.
Creating new Failure Modes for an existing system.
Create New Tasks
You can add additional Tasks to an existing Failure Mode.
Recommended workflow:
Export the target Failure Modes records using Export for Import.
Add new Tasks in Excel. Make sure to repeat all identifying fields for each Task row, as the import needs to know where to add the Task.
Enter the new Task details.
Clear the Unique Task Number field so that the system can generate a new identifier during import.
Save the file.
Import the modified file using the RCM Analysis import type.
Create New Failure Modes for an Existing System
You can create new Failure Modes together with related Tasks.
Recommended workflow:
Export the target analysis in the System you want to update using Export for Import.
Add new rows for each Failure Mode - Task combination in Excel. Make sure to repeat all identifying fields for each Task row, as the import needs to know where to add the Task.
Enter the new Task details.
Clear the Unique Task Number field so that the system can generate a new identifier during import.
Save the file.
Import the modified file using the RCM Analysis import type.
Schedule Import
The Schedule import can create new Schedules for Equipment maintained through implementation systems other than SAP.
You can identify imported schedules by their Schedule Type.
Condition History Import
The Condition History import supports importing historical equipment condition data.
System Import
The System import creates (multiple) Systems, including Functions and Functional Failures, and adds them to the selected parent location (Unit).
The import does not automatically assign FLOCs or Equipment to the System. To assign Equipment and/or FLOCs to Systems, use the System Equipment import.
Using Export for Import is recommended when updating existing Systems. The exported file includes the main System data along with all fields related to functions and functional failures.
For more information and examples see: RCM Systems - Creating / Importing.
System Equipment Import
The System Equipment import assigns FLOCs and/or Equipment to existing Systems.
Note
The System, as well as the FLOC/Equipment, must already exist in the database as the import does not create new objects.
This import is commonly performed before the RCM Analysis Import, which helps you load the Analysis for the available FLOCs or Equipment.
For more information on System Equipment imports, see Select Equipment - Importing or the following instruction video: Add Equipment to Systems Episode 4 Video.