Page 22 - RCM - A practical Guide_V1

RCM - A Practical Guide

THE ANALYSIS PROCESS

In order to determine what maintenance is required a detailed understanding of the functions of the
asset and the precise nature of the associated failures is necessary.

GETTING STARTED

This is the most critical phase of a study. This is the time where the analyst ensures that they
understand the subject well enough to perform the RCM analysis process.
So…where to start?
A logical breakdown of the subject will begin to form the shape of the analysis in terms of what
equipment is to be covered and where to ‘hang’ the functions (indenture level).
Studies on large equipment like aeroplanes or ships break the equipment down into functional groups.
The easiest way to do that is to use a system e.g. hydraulic power, navigation etc as the top level in the
breakdown.
Diagrams can help to identify all of the things that make up the functional groups. A system
breakdown structure (SBS), Figure 4 - Example System Breakdown Structure (SBS)or a system map,
Figure 5 - Example System Map, can be useful tools for planning the actual analysis phase.
When paired with a description of the operating context, a system diagram provides the analysis (and
associated team members) with the base knowledge required to complete the activity - from a
technical viewpoint.
The SBS is used to inform and develop a system map from which top-level functions for the equipment
can be identified. The SBS and system map, in conjunction with a written operating context, can be
used to help to define the analysis requirement.
A SBS is constructed by dividing the equipment into functional areas or systems. Each area or system is
further broken down into progressively lower levels of indenture. This is necessary to help the Analyst
visualise the functional relationship of the various components to each other, the higher levels of
indenture and ultimately the End Item. The combination of these procedures helps to reduce the
analysis to a manageable size and allows RCM to focus on areas of greatest functional and engineering
need.

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