Page 52 - RCM - A practical Guide_V1

RCM - A Practical Guide

APPROACH TO RCM

RCM is a complex analysis process which requires close management and planning if it is to be
successful in optimising maintenance. There are essentially two methods of application both of which
have their advantages and disadvantages. These methods along with their pros and cons will be
discussed in the following paragraphs.

DESKTOP APPROACH
Depending on the size of the overall analysis programme this approach requires, primarily, a team
leader, several experienced analysts, regular access to the equipment being analysed and the
operators and maintainers, access to the design authority or equipment management authority will
also be essential as will any specialists with key knowledge or experience. Alongside this will be a mass
of information and data ranging from manuals and operating instructions through to policy and safety
information.
Scoping study phase
Often on larger programmes a scoping study is carried out to assist with identifying the likely effort
required for the whole programme. During this scoping study a full planning activity is also achieved.
This will typically include the following:
Project Plan – In this plan a set of requirements, assumptions, data sources, schedule, responsibilities
etc. are identified. It may also establish who and or what organisations will be involved in the study
programme.
Setting up of a database or spreadsheet system for recording the analysis and keeping track of
progress etc.
Key documents – A list of key documents and specifications will be identified along with a list of who is
responsible for requesting and obtaining them. This is typically drawn up during a brainstorming
meeting of all involved parties prior to project start-up or from a similar list drawn up by a previous
analysis. Difficult to obtain data must be requested as early as possible if project start-up dates are
going to be met.
Meetings – A series of meetings with key parties to ensure the process is understood and supported
by all; this can be supported potentially by briefings to all key engineers and operators of the
equipment to ensure they also understand what is required of them and to help with project buy-in.
Basic RCM training of involved parties may be necessary.
Team leaders will maintain a project workbook, where individual tasks, point of contacts (PoC) list,
active risks and assumptions, progress charts, list of meetings and minutes etc. can be collated and
easily controlled.
RCM analysis phase
This is where the meat of any programme takes place in accordance with the adopted RCM standard.
The desktop approach can only work if the following principles are observed:
The programme needs to be closely managed to ensure timely availability of relevant data and
information. The programme manager/team leader must play a key role, but equally the individual

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