Page 57 - RCM - A practical Guide_V1

RCM - A Practical Guide

SUPPORTABILITY ANALYSIS (ILS)
This module is intended to provide brief insight into where RCM sits within an Integrated Logistic
Support (ILS) Programme.
ILS is defined in Defence Standard 00-60 where it is explained that ILS is the process for determining
and acquiring the logistics support requirements for an acquisition programme. The ‘tool’ for
determining these requirements within that programme is Logistics Support Analysis (LSA).
RCM is a key element of the LSA process as it is the method used to derive Preventive Maintenance
requirements. RCM, therefore, can be the driving force with influence over:
Design
Identification of support problems and cost drivers at an early stage of development
Identification of support resources which will be used and consumed throughout the system life.

RCM and LSA
RCM was originally designed to assist with the establishment of initial Preventive Maintenance
programmes for new equipment and it is at this stage that the link with LSA needs to be established.
LSA is an iterative process designed to develop an optimal support solution for a system. RCM is a
fundamental part of this process because a scheduled maintenance programme is able to establish a
requirement for many aspects of this support solution. Also, RCM is able to identify and recommend
redesign at an early stage and therefore influence the ultimate requirement for supportable mission
system, for instance such things as poor access to equipment may prove key to controlling
maintenance costs. Identified early, these sort of things enable the designer to make appropriate
provisions.
The following constitutes a list of some of the related topics where RCM and LSA interact and where
applying RCM early in the design/fabrication phase can reap significant benefits:
• Manpower
• Personnel skill-sets
• Support equipment
• Spare parts and consumables
• Task analysis, including technical publications
• Level of Repair Analysis (LORA)
• Facilities
• Tools and specialist test equipment
• Packaging, Handling, Storage and Transportation (PHS&T).

This list is by no means exhaustive and it is probable that many more elements can be identified
The inherent logistic supportability of a system is set by the design, however, if we can reduce the
systems dependence on support by impacting / refining the system design then we will have improved
the Inherent Logistic Supportability.
There are many ways to do this, including but not limited to:
❑ Developing a reliable, robust, durable, maintainable and testable system
❑ Ensuring that systems can be readily updated
❑ Addressing systems architecture
❑ Ensuring systems are safe and ‘operable’

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