Managing RCM

Companies have seen huge benefits with RCM - indeed it is widely recognized as THE cornerstone for maintenance improvement. This is because it identifies the right maintenance tactics for each piece of equipment to which it is applied - even if it means no maintenance.

What is RCM - it's an engineering approach to establishing the root cause for equipment breakdowns and determining a procedure for avoiding or remedying the problem. These procedures are then the inputs for the maintenance plan.

RCM consists of a series of steps - each guided by a rigorous application of logic:

Because of its rigorous nature, RCM is difficult to implement and maintain; it's very easy to get bogged down in details and therefore not see the progress that justifies the time and expense. Careful managerial guidance is needed, keeping the end point clearly in view. Here are the key steps:

1. make sure that the objectives and targets for the project are clearly understood. If you do not have RCM experience, a small investment in an outside consultant will pay off here big-time.
2. appoint an RCM team leader from inside your organization; ideally this individual should have experience with RCM (but not essential). He will be responsible for progress, priorities, scheduling, resources - i.e. the basics of project management - plus will lead the charge after the facilitator has left.
3. appoint an RCM facilitator; this person need not be an experienced RCM implementer, but must have a strong background in motivating and co-ordinating teams. If there is not one on staff, then go to an external contractor. His job will be to conduct the seminars and workshops, plus lead the pilot project.
4. Stage an introductory seminar for management and technical staff (half to one-day - your facilitator can do this)
5. Stage a planning session with the senior management responsible for the project to set the project timetable, decide on the framework for the pilot project and set up the implementation team. (generally a one-day session). Your team leader could run this for you.
6. Provide a detailed RCM workshop for the implementation team - typically three days are required. This will focus on applying the practicalities of RCM.
7. Define and implement via a pilot project covering a production line or group of equipment.
8. Set up progress and performance management system to measure results.
9. Broaden the program to full plant.

To do it smoothly, you likely need some support; here's what we can do to help:

• act as your outside contractor/consultant
• suggest for the type of person and skills you should combine in a team leader;
• ditto for a facilitator.
• Provide a 5-day a packaged training course for facilitators, covering facilitation skills and RCM.
• Introductory half day senior management training
• Run the one-day familiarization planning and objective setting session
• Provide the three day training program for the RCM team
• Act as guide and mentor for the facilitator and team leader as and when required
• Review the RCM results, providing suggestions and proposed upgrades.
• Assist with setting up the performance management and progress tracking process
• Advising on the change management issues.
  

RCM is not for everyone - but for those who spec it out correctly at the beginning and then follow through with a solid program, the results are dramatic.

We are pleased to work closely with OMDEC Inc in the RCM field - www.omdec.com, or contact us at info@datatrak.ca.

Back | Next

Contact us