Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)
RCM is an acronym for Reliability Centered Maintenance. RCM offers a strategy for developing maintenance programs that optimize resources in the most efficient manner possible. RCM provides a methodology to keep equipment up and running while minimizing downtime using the most cost-effective approach.
A key aspect of RCM is that it recognizes that not all equipment and assets are of equal importance, so decisions on maintenance strategies need to consider a prioritized approach into maintenance planning. RCM strives to develop overall maintenance strategies that smartly balance reactive, proactive, and predictive maintenance types. Reactive maintenance are repairs that occur when equipment fails. Proactive maintenance is maintenance performed on equipment on a scheduled basis in order to keep it functioning properly to avoid failure. For example, periodic vehicle oil changes are an example of proactive maintenance. Predictive maintenance is performed based on the condition of equipment. For example, a sensor that monitors brake wear to provide feedback as to when replacement is required is an example of predictive maintenance. Taking into account costs, downtime, and effective use of resources, RCM helps you develop equipment maintenance plans encompassing all types of maintenance that results in the lowest cost and highest availability.
When performing an RCM analysis, answering the following 7 questions provide a road map for the process:
- What are the functions of the system?
- What are the ways the system can fail to function?
- What are the causes of failure?
- What are the consequences of the failure?
- Does it matter if it fails?
- What can be done to prevent the failure?
- What can be done if the failure cannot be prevented?