This article describes how to begin an RCM analysis, setting out the five guided steps that form the foundation.
After you build your asset structure in IMS, prioritize your FLOCs or Equipment, and assign Failure Modes, you have completed RCM Questions 1, 2, and 3. The RCM Analysis addresses RCM Questions 4 through 7.
Typically, an RCM Analysis is performed when a Failure Mode can cause a Functional Failure of a System.
RCM Questions Addressed During the Analysis
The Functions and Functional Failures section addresses the first three RCM questions.
The RCM Analysis addresses the remaining four questions:
What happens when each failure occurs?
This is documented as the Failure Effect (failure scenario).
In what way does each failure matter?
This is evaluated through the Criticality Assessment of the Failure Mode in the no-maintenance scenario.
What can be done to predict or prevent each failure?
This includes selecting a maintenance strategy, defining maintenance tasks, evaluating economics (MEI), and assessing risk reduction (and residual risk).
What should be done if a suitable proactive task cannot be found?
If residual risk remains unacceptable, additional actions may be required.
Guided Steps in an RCM Analysis
Each RCM Analysis consists of the following guided steps:
Failure Effects
Criticality Assessment
Strategy Decision Tree
Maintenance Tasks
MEI Calculations
For additional information about the guided workflow, watch the RCM Analysis Guided Steps instructional video.
Opening an RCM Analysis
You can access an RCM Analysis from several locations in IMS.
From the Equipment Main Screen
Open the Equipment Main Screen (Overview Grid).
Use the search, filter, or scoping options to locate the required Equipment.
Click the Equipment.
Scroll to the RCM Analysis section.
Select an existing Failure Mode, or click the Plus button to create a new analysis.
The RCM Analysis opens for the selected Failure Mode. This screen shows the 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.
Caution
An RCM Analysis can be performed either at the FLOC level or at the Equipment level.
Perform the analysis on only one of these objects. Do not create analyses for the same Failure Mode on both the FLOC and Equipment levels.
From the FLOC Main Screen
Open the FLOC Main Screen (Overview Grid).
Click the required FLOC.
Scroll to the RCM Analysis section.
Select an existing Failure Mode, or click the Plus button to create a new analysis.
The RCM Analysis opens for the selected Failure Mode. This screen shows the 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.
From the System Main Screen
Open the System Main Screen (Overview Grid).
Select the required System.
Scroll to the Functions and Functional Failures section.
Select the Failure Mode for the required Tag.
The RCM Analysis opens for the selected Failure Mode. This screen shows the 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.
From the Analysis Main Screen
Open the Analysis Main Screen.
Click Collapse to expand the analysis grid, if necessary.
Click the required Failure Mode for the required Tag.
The RCM Analysis opens for the selected Failure Mode. This screen shows the 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.
Configure the Guided Step Layout
You can display the guided steps in one of the following layouts:
Tabs – steps are displayed from left to right.
Top to Bottom – all steps are displayed on a single page.
The Tabs layout is the recommended option.
To change the layout:
Open My Account.
Click Edit.
Scroll to Other Settings.
In Step-by-step Assessment Orientation, select the preferred layout.
Click Save.
Note
You need to log out for the change to take effect.
The next articles describe each guided step in detail, beginning with Failure Effects (Step 1).