Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) is a methodology for determining maintenance requirements based on equipment functions and failure consequences rather than calendar schedules. The approach originated in 1978 with a report by Nowlan and Heap for the US Department of Defense, which analyzed failure patterns in aviation equipment.
The methodology relies on the SAE JA1011 standard, which defines the criteria for an RCM process. It requires answering seven specific questions in a fixed order, covering functions, functional failures, failure modes, consequences, criticality, proactive tasks, and default actions. Skipping steps or changing the order invalidates the analysis.
RCM distinguishes between evident and hidden failures, with the latter requiring specific 'failure finding' tasks to ensure protective systems work. The analysis also utilizes the P-F interval, the time between the potential detection of a defect and functional failure, to determine the appropriate frequency for condition-based maintenance.
The process involves a multi-disciplinary team and follows eight steps, starting with criticality analysis and ending with implementation in CMMS/EAM systems. Because RCM is resource-intensive, it is typically applied only to critical assets, while others undergo simpler maintenance optimization.
Correct RCM application often reduces the total volume of maintenance tasks by identifying ineffective or economically unjustified procedures. The methodology is dynamic, requiring updates as equipment operating conditions change or new failure statistics are accumulated.
