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STREAMLINED RCM: A Critical Perspective – Final

Kleber Siqueira


Reliability-centered Maintenance (RCM) is far more than just a tool—it’s the backbone of a robust asset management strategy. As emphasized by ISO 55000, RCM ensures that asset reliability aligns with both short- and long-term corporate goals. It plays a critical role in keeping businesses running efficiently, directly safeguarding the functions that generate revenue and drive growth.


Yet, despite these clear advantages, many organizations are tempted to cut corners. In pursuit of ‘efficiency,’ they adopt so-called streamlined RCM processes. While these shortcuts might appear to save time and resources, they ultimately backfire. None of these approaches comply with SAE RCM standards, and more importantly, they introduce risky oversights that undermine the core value of RCM.

In my previous post, I discussed the risks of focusing solely on ‘Critical’ Functions or Failures. Today, I’ll explore the final pitfall in this series: Analyzing Only ‘Critical’ Equipment.


The Problem with Focusing Only on ‘Critical’ Equipment


A common ‘streamlined’ approach suggests applying RCM exclusively to ‘critical’ equipment. At first glance, this may seem like a logical way to prioritize resources, but it’s a dangerous misconception. The SAE Standard doesn’t endorse this approach, and here’s why:


  • RCM is applicable to any asset: The SAE Standard defines RCM as a process that can be applied to any asset, without making distinctions about which equipment is ‘critical.’ The Standard assumes that decisions regarding which assets to analyze and define system boundaries have already been made before the RCM process begins.


  • ‘Critical’ is relative: Different industries have vastly different criteria for what they consider ‘critical.’ With such a wide range of criteria, it’s impossible to create a one-size-fits-all standard for this. What’s considered critical in one industry may not be in another.


  • Is anything really ‘non-critical’?: Some believe that no piece of equipment in an industrial setting is so ‘non-significant’ that it doesn’t deserve a rigorous analysis. Every asset, in some way, impacts overall performance.


While much can be debated about the pros and cons of using equipment criticality assessments to guide decisions on whether to perform detailed analyses, it’s crucial to note that criticality assessments are not part of the RCM process as defined by the SAE Standard. Labeling these assessments as a ‘streamlined’ form of RCM is misleading and doesn’t reflect the true intent or effectiveness of RCM.


Thank you for following along with this 6-part series on Streamlined RCM: A Critical Perspective. I hope these insights have sparked valuable thoughts and conversations around the importance of adhering to true RCM principles.


As always, I’m eager to hear your feedback and thoughts! Let’s continue the conversation.


 
Kleber Siqueira | NAVITAS Consulting


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