Starting an RCM Analysis
- 06 Feb 2025
- 3 Minutes to read
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Starting an RCM Analysis
- Updated on 06 Feb 2025
- 3 Minutes to read
- Contributors
- Print
- DarkLight
- PDF
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This RCM online tutorial describes how to start an RCM Analysis and set a preference for the 5 guided steps..
Opening an RCM Analysis from the Main Screens
There are multiple ways to reach the detailed RCM analysis, starting in the main navigation bar, let first look at doing this from the Equipment Main Screen.
Equipment Main Screen grid
Go to the Equipment Main Screen.
You can use the scoping bar, search and filter to find your desired piece of Equipment.
Click on an individual Equipment and a second screen opens.
Scroll down to RCM analysis section.
Select the Failure Mode of interest.
In this example we click the Failure Mode "ANTI SURE VALVE FAILURE" and the RCM Analysis screen is opened:
In this screen there are 5 guided steps involved in completing the RCM Analysis for this Failure Mode: Failure effects, Criticality Assessment, Strategy Decision Tree, Maintenance task, and MEI calculation.
In the next articles we will explain how to complete an RCM Analysis using the guided steps starting with Failure Effects (Step 1).
Take Note
Though RCM Analyses can be done on Floc level and Equipment level, the RCM Analysis is done only on one of these two objects (not on both) leaving the other objects without Failure Modes / RCM Analyses.
FLOC Main Screen grid
Go to the FLOC Main Screen.
Click on an individual Floc and a second screen opens.
Scroll down to RCM analysis section.
Select the Failure Mode of interest, or click the Plus button to start an new Analysis.
System Main Screen grid
Go to the System Main Screen.
Click on an individual System.
Scroll to the Functions and Functional Failures section.
Click on Failure mode for the Tag of interest.
Analysis Main Screen grid
Go to the Analysis Main Screen.
Click Collapse to see the grid.
Click on Failure mode for the Tag of interest.
Settings the 5 guided step preference (tab vs top to bottom)
The 5 steps of the RCM Analysis can be performed in two formats:
In Tabs (left to right); or
From Top to bottom’
Note: The Top to bottom method provides a better overview and has our preference.
You can set your preference in My Account:
Click Edit.
Scroll to Other settings.
Select the Orientation of the steps by step Assessment
In the next articles we will explain how to complete an RCM Analysis using the guided steps starting with Failure Effects (Step 1).
Addressing the 7 RCM questions
The Systems - Functions and Functional Failures section allowed you to execute the ‘failure mode and effect’ analysis in line with the first three of the seven RCM questions:
1. What are the functions and associated performance standards of the asset in its present operating context? Note: "The asset" relates to the "System" in the IMS-RCM tool. |
2. In what ways does it fail to fulfill its functions? Note: These failures relate to the Functional Failures of the System. |
3. What causes each functional failure? Note: These causes are typically Equipment Failure Modes. |
In the RCM Analysis section we address the last four questions:
4. What happens when each failure occurs? Note: This relates to the Failure Effects, formally known as the failure scenario. |
5. In what way does each failure matter? Note: This relates to the criticality of the Failure Mode in the no-maintenance scenario. |
6. What can be done to predict or prevent each failure? Note: This relates to the maintenance strategy, the maintenance tasks, the economics in terms of MEI and the risk reduction (and residual risk). |
7. What should be done if a suitable proactive task cannot be found? Note: This relates to the situation when the residual risk is too high and additional actions are required. |
Instruction video
For more information on the execution of RCM analysis in Guides Steps see instruction video: RCM Analysis Guided Steps Episode 7 Video.
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