The RCM analysis is a methodology to select proactive maintenance tasks and give re-design and/or Defect Elimination (DE) recommendations, based on steps focused on functional failures and consequences.
RCM systematically requires tasks to be selected by considering all the consequences of failure, i.e. it utilizes economic, and HSE criteria to identify the significance of equipment failure, as well as to justify the cost benefit of performing proactive maintenance. IMS RCM is a tool to develop planned maintenance tasks (which includes run-to-failure maintenance). The aim of the RCM process is to support operating units to shift from reactive to proactive maintenance.
This shift will reduce unplanned work and routine maintenance costs and increase unit and equipment availability. Since some equipment failures are caused by inadequate repairs or errors in operation (rather than failing through wear, fouling or fatigue), the S-RCM process is meant to address these causes as well. For that purpose, the following basic questions have to be answered:
– What are the dominant failure modes of the equipment?
– What are its consequences?
– What can be done to prevent the failure or at least mitigate its consequences?
The key to RCM is not looking at failure as an isolated event, but considering the effect that the failure has on the business. An RCM study is a team effort, with members of the team coming from different disciplines. It is not maintenance- but a manufacturing endeavor and requires the support of all stakeholders, including Operations. Representatives of Operations and Maintenance are required to be present full time during the study, while specialist input and knowledge from Technology and Advisory Engineering (i.e. Rotating Equipment, Electrical, Instrument, and Inspection) is required on a part-time basis. The study is carried out in a partnering environment, blending together local experience and outside perspective, in order to ensure that the results are meaningful and fit for purpose.
