---
title: "Starting an RCM Analysis"
slug: "starting-an-rcm-analysis"
description: "Learn the five guided steps of RCM Analysis to assess failure modes, criticality, and maintenance strategies for effective system management."
tags: ["RCM"]
updated: 2026-10-27T23:11:57Z
published: 2026-10-27T23:11:57Z
canonical: "ims-handbook.cenosco.com/starting-an-rcm-analysis"
---

> ## 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.

# Starting an RCM Analysis

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](/v414/docs/rcm-systems-creating-importing) IMS, [prioritize your FLOCs or Equipment](/v414/docs/rcm-systems-select-equipment-and-prioritization), and [assign Failure Modes](/v414/docs/rcm-systems-failure-modes), you have completed [RCM Questions 1, 2, and 3](/v414/docs/rcm-basics). 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](/v414/docs/rcm-systems-functions-and-functional-failures) section addresses the first three [RCM questions](/v414/docs/rcm-basics).

The RCM Analysis addresses the remaining four questions:

1. **What happens when each failure occurs?**

This is documented as the Failure Effect (failure scenario).

1. **In what way does each failure matter?**

This is evaluated through the Criticality Assessment of the Failure Mode in the no-maintenance scenario.

1. **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).

1. **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:

1. Failure Effects
2. Criticality Assessment
3. Strategy Decision Tree
4. Maintenance Tasks
5. MEI Calculations

For additional information about the guided workflow, watch the [RCM Analysis Guided Steps instructional video](/v414/docs/rcm-tutorial-videos#rcm-analysis-guided-steps-episode-7).

## Opening an RCM Analysis

You can access an RCM Analysis from several locations in IMS.

### From the Equipment Main Screen

1. Open the Equipment Main Screen (Overview Grid).
2. Use the search, filter, or scoping options to locate the required Equipment.
3. Click the Equipment.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-0ZML3DOJ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T15%3A05%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T16%3A05%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=8WDYqkxvblErrySYotPi30u86RMcpMhXJXW9iILUX4o%3D)

1. Scroll to the **RCM Analysis** section.
2. 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.

> [!WARNING]
> 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

1. Open the FLOC Main Screen (Overview Grid).
2. Click the required FLOC.
3. Scroll to the **RCM Analysis** section.
4. 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

1. Open the System Main Screen (Overview Grid).
2. Select the required System.
3. Scroll to the **Functions and Functional Failures** section.
4. Select the Failure Mode for the required **Tag**.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-SCS64036.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T15%3A05%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T16%3A05%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=8WDYqkxvblErrySYotPi30u86RMcpMhXJXW9iILUX4o%3D)

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

1. Open the Analysis Main Screen.
2. Click **Collapse** to expand the analysis grid, if necessary.
3. Click the required Failure Mode for the required **Tag**.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/analysis_screen.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T15%3A05%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T16%3A05%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=8WDYqkxvblErrySYotPi30u86RMcpMhXJXW9iILUX4o%3D)

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:

1. Open **My Account**.
2. Click **Edit**.
3. Scroll to **Other Settings**.
4. In **Step-by-step Assessment Orientation**, select the preferred layout.
5. Click **Save**.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/e492a0e0-a4ba-4aca-8fc6-76b95f91fdf3/Images/Documentation/image-LW3J5R48.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-28T15%3A05%3A09Z&se=2026-10-28T16%3A05%3A09Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=8WDYqkxvblErrySYotPi30u86RMcpMhXJXW9iILUX4o%3D)

> [!NOTE]
> 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)**](/v414/docs/rcm-analysis-failure-effects).

## 

Reliability Centered Maintenance

Integrity Management System

Maintenance Efficiency Index