RCM

Reliability Centered Maintenance — a systematic engineering methodology for determining the optimal maintenance strategy for each physical asset based on its function, failure modes, failure consequences, and applicable maintenance tasks. Developed originally for the aviation industry (MSG-3) and formalized by John Moubray (RCM2) and Stan Nowlan/Howard Heap (original 1978 report for the US Department of Defense). RCM process per SAE JA1011: (1) What are the functions of the asset in its operating context? (2) How can each function fail (functional failures)? (3) What causes each functional failure (failure modes)? (4) What happens when each failure mode occurs (failure effects)? (5) What are the consequences of each failure (safety, environmental, operational, economic)? (6) What can be done to predict or prevent each failure (proactive tasks)? (7) What if no proactive task is applicable (default actions — redesign or run-to-failure)? Task selection: condition-based/predictive (PdM — for failures with detectable onset), time-based/usage-based (PM — for wear-out failures), failure-finding (testing hidden functions — safety devices), and no scheduled maintenance/run-to-failure (for non-critical, non-safety items). Per SAE JA1011 (RCM criteria), SAE JA1012 (RCM guide), and NASA RCM Guide. RCM typically reduces maintenance costs 25-40% while improving reliability.