---
title: "Software Step 2"
slug: "software-step-2"
tags: ["RBI", "PEI"]
status: "update"
updated: 2026-10-27T23:11:38Z
published: 2026-10-27T23:11:38Z
canonical: "ims-handbook.cenosco.com/software-step-2"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ims-handbook.cenosco.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Software Step 2

#### ![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/Degradation%20Management%20Final%20(2).jpg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T12%3A39%3A11Z&se=2026-10-28T13%3A39%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=JEMxF96i%2Bzix16XgjtdY8DjezC2oVlUE2ZrAswBqV0g%3D)

Step 2 Identify Threats and Barriers (Define the CL):

Below is explained how to implement Step 2 in the Software. See also [Methodology Step 2](/v414/docs/methodology-step-2).

---

The Corrosion Loop (CL) that was created in [Step 1](/v414/docs/step-1-define-the-asset) (see [Creating Corrosion Loops](/v414/docs/creating-a-corrosion-loop)) can now be defined:

## **Define CL Boundaries, Process and Potential DMs**

To define the CL, capture the information that was gathered to Define the Corrosion Loop Boundaries and to Define the Corrosion Loop Process and Potential DMs. Do this in the different CL sections.

See [Defining CL Boundaries, Process and Potential DMs](/v414/docs/defining-cl-boundaries-process-and-potential-dms).

As a minimum, add descriptions to the following sections:

- Loop Description
- Process Description
- Corrosion Description

## Define the Degradation Mechanisms

See [Defining Degradation Mechanisms](/v414/docs/defining-the-degradation-mechanisms).

When you [Assign Components to the CL](/v414/docs/assigning-components-to-the-cl), and later assign DMs to them (this happens in [Step 3 Start RBI Analysis and Assign DMs to the Component](/v414/docs/step-3-start-rbi-analysis-and-assign-dms-to-the-component-1) or [Step 4 Starting an RBI 581 Assessment](/v414/docs/starting-rbi-581-assessment)), additional information (if available for these Components) will be displayed on the DM cards: Actual CRs (if the Component is set to inherit this from a Circuit – see [Relationship between CLs, Components and Circuits](/v414/docs/relationship-between-cls-components-and-circuits)) and Strategy (driving RBI results, driving CCAM). The associated Circuits, Components and Equipment will also become available to access from the DM card. Also, in some cases, Common Barrier types will be suggested.

## Define the Barriers (and link to IOWs)

See [Defining Barriers (and linking to IOWs)](/v414/docs/defining-the-barriers-and-linking-to-iows). Also see [Creating and Defining IOWs](/v414/docs/creating-iows).

M- and D-type Barriers require Components to be verified. This association happens automatically when you [Assign Components to the CL](/v414/docs/assigning-components-to-the-cl), and then (later) assign DMs to these Components ([Step 3 Start RBI Analysis and Assign DMs to the Component](/v414/docs/step-3-start-rbi-analysis-and-assign-dms-to-the-component)) or [Step 4 Starting an RBI 581 Assessment](/v414/docs/starting-rbi-581-assessment)). The Driving RBI Consequence of all the associated Component/DM Assessments will be shown on the applicable Barrier card. Also, a Criticality Matrix will be shown, based on the selected Likelihood of LOPC and Driving RBI Consequence (or User Consequence if specified). From this Matrix the Barrier Risk is determined.

## Initial Barrier Assessment

At this stage an initial Barrier Assessment can be done and you can then adjust/add Barrier information where needed. See [Methodology Step 2](/v414/docs/methodology-step-2).

## Assign Components to the CL

See [Assigning Components to CLs](/v414/docs/assigning-components-to-the-cl).

In [Step 3 (of the S-RBI Anaylsis)](/v414/docs/step-3-start-rbi-analysis-and-assign-dms-to-the-component) or [Step 4 Starting an RBI 581 Assessment](/v414/docs/starting-rbi-581-assessment))the DMs will be assigned to the Components.

## Attachments

- [IOW - how to v1.pdf](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/IOW - how to v1.pdf)