Reliability
RCM - Reliability Centered Maintenance.
What is it all about? RCM, RMC2, RCM+, Streamlined RCM, RCM Lite…
The RCM methodology is and enabling tool used to help determine the maintenance requirements of any physical asset in its operating context. It is used to decide what must be done to ensure that any physical asset, system or process continues to do whatever its users want it to do. From its inception RCM was a rigid methodology designed to analyze systems and discover any and all possible failures (that realistically) could case loss of function of the asset or system.
The process starts by accurately describing the operating context of the system you are analyzing and then work into the different failures or failure modes that are possible and the effects of each failure or mode based on its impact in reducing the operational function of the asset based on several factors including: safety, environmental, quality, and cost impact of reduced or failed function. The methodology for these analysis's came out of need airline industry to reduce fatalities.
RCM Today?
Today the initial philosophy and methodology of asset reliability associated to assets has evolved into many RCM variations today.
- RCM – the classical methodology
- RCM2 – the second step in the evolution of the process
RCM2 incorporates a
more streamlined approach to the rigid classical methodology. Supported
with a global network of reliability experts whose members are certified
as practitioners in the delivery of RCM2 and MTA – these two advanced
methodologies offer team-based approaches to developing a reliability
strategy for all assets in an organization.
RCM2 Network
members (ALADON Network) provide RCM2 and MTA training & consulting
services as well as Ivara EXP Professional software. This global network
has helped clients apply Reliability Centered Maintenance on more than
2000 sites in over 80 countries. More than 55,000 people have attended
RCM2 training courses worldwide
- Streamlined RCM
- RCM Turbo
- RCM +
- RCM ++
- MTA – Maintenance Task Analysis
- Etc, etc.
What does it all mean?
The important thing here is that the underpinning of all the current breeds of RCM philosophies and methodologies are all basically the same.
No matter what flavor of RCM you choice to implement it must conform to SAE Standard JA1011: “Evaluation Criteria for Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) Processes”. The latest update to the standard is SAE Standard JA1012. In order to be considered a true RCM.
Those selling RCM generally support one methodology over another and will come up with many reasons why “their” RCM way is the OLNY true RCM method that will work for you.
Take all the talk and sales out of the mix you are left with one truth.
- It is not important which system you acquire and implement; what is critical is how you implement your RCM strategy and utilize what you have.
The future of RCM?
RCM is continuing its evolution and is now focused on:
-
Reliability Centered Design
-
Reliability Centered
-
RCM3 – The next generation utilizing the best of the RCM world, streamlining, and MTA maintenance task analysis
RCM will continue to evolve as more and more diverse sites become familiar with the methodologies and practices and look for more proactive reliability strategies.
RMB Meeting the challenge in the Next Generation of RCM !
