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Home » Articles » on Maintenance Reliability

on Maintenance Reliability

A listing in reverse chronological order of these article series:



  • Usman Mustafa Syed — Aasan Asset Management series

  • Arun Gowtham — AI & Predictive Maintenance series

  • Miguel Pengel — Asset Management in the Mining Industry series

  • Bryan Christiansen — CMMS and Reliability series

  • James Reyes-Picknell — Conscious Asset series

  • Alex Williams — EAM & CMMS series

  • Nancy Regan — Everday RCM series

  • Karl Burnett — History of Maintenance Management series

  • Mike Sondalini — Life Cycle Asset Management series

  • James Kovacevic — Maintenance and Reliability series

  • Mike Sondalini — Maintenance Management series

  • Mike Sondalini — Plant Maintenance series

  • Andrew Kelleher — Process Plant Reliability Engineering series

  • George Williams and Joe Anderson — The ReliabilityXperience series

  • Doug Plucknette — RCM Blitz series

  • Robert Kalwarowsky — Rob's Reliability Project series

  • Gina Tabasso — The Intelligent Transformer Blog series

  • Tor Idhammar — The People Side of Maintenance series

  • André-Michel Ferrari — The Reliability Mindset series

by Mike Sondalini Leave a Comment

Achieving Highly Reliable Systems

Achieving Highly Reliable Systems

There are only two ways to get high system reliability: meeting outstanding task quality performance standards so excellence is done everywhere, and by building parallel arrangements where the failure of one has no impact on system performance. Both are done in a PWW EAM System-of-Reliability

Equipment can be configured in series or in parallel arrangements. A series arrangement is when one item or task connects sequentially to the next. It takes only one item to fail in a series arrangement and the whole system will fail. Exceptionally reliable individual equipment is needed to experience a high-reliability system with a series arrangement.

Parallel arrangements are when each item is arranged as a companion, one duplicates another. In this circumstance, exceptionally reliable systems can be formed even if individual equipment has poor reliability.

A system is formed when equipment is combined to do a duty. For example, when a pump, coupling, and electric motor are connected they form a series system used to move liquid through pipes from one point to another.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Life Cycle Asset Management, on Maintenance Reliability

by Ryan Burns Leave a Comment

Building A Better 5-Why → The 5-Why+

Building A Better 5-Why → The 5-Why+

5-Why is it popular because it’s simple—and that’s exactly where it can fall short.

Teams ask “why” five times, land on a familiar answer, document it, and move on.

The exercise feels efficient, but the thinking is often shallow.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, on Maintenance Reliability, The RCA Perfromance Playbook

by Nancy Regan Leave a Comment

Unit 4: The Essentials of Documenting Failure Effects in RCM

Unit 4: The Essentials of Documenting Failure Effects in RCM

In this unit, we delve into the second and third steps of the Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) process: identifying Functional Failures and writing Failure Modes. It’s vital to distinguish between Failure Effects and the actual causes of failures. A Failure Mode, often termed a failure cause, specifically pinpoints what specifically causes a Functional Failure. Proper training is essential, as accurately identified Failure Modes are the cornerstone of developing effective failure management strategies. We will introduce the four criteria for including Failure Modes in an RCM analysis. This session uses practical examples, such as bearing failures, to demonstrate how well-defined Failure Modes lead to actionable solutions like vibration analysis or enhanced training programs. Learn to balance the level of detail in your documentation to prevent oversimplification and avoid analysis paralysis, ensuring your RCM process is comprehensive and effective.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Everyday RCM, on Maintenance Reliability

by Ryan Burns Leave a Comment

One Leadership Behavior That Predicts RCA Program Success

One Leadership Behavior That Predicts RCA Program Success

Across every mature RCA program we’ve seen, one pattern is unmistakable: leaders who consistently close the loop win.

Not sponsors who attend kickoffs. Not managers who ask for status updates. Leaders who personally ensure that corrective actions are implemented with the same rigor used to identify root causes have RCA programs that thrive.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, on Maintenance Reliability, The RCA Perfromance Playbook

by Nancy Regan Leave a Comment

Unit 3: Exploring Functional Failures and Failure Modes in RCM

Unit 3: Exploring Functional Failures and Failure Modes in RCM

In this unit, we delve into the second and third steps of the Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) process: identifying Functional Failures and writing Failure Modes. It’s vital to distinguish between Failure Effects and the actual causes of failures. A Failure Mode, often termed a failure cause, specifically pinpoints what specifically causes a Functional Failure. Proper training is essential, as accurately identified Failure Modes are the cornerstone of developing effective failure management strategies. We will introduce the four criteria for including Failure Modes in an RCM analysis. This session uses practical examples, such as bearing failures, to demonstrate how well-defined Failure Modes lead to actionable solutions like vibration analysis or enhanced training programs. Learn to balance the level of detail in your documentation to prevent oversimplification and avoid analysis paralysis, ensuring your RCM process is comprehensive and effective.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Everyday RCM, on Maintenance Reliability

by George Williams Leave a Comment

Asset Portfolio: What Belongs in your CMMS and What Doesn’t

Asset Portfolio: What Belongs in your CMMS and What Doesn’t

Is your CMMS cluttered with spare parts and throwaway items? Not sure what qualifies as an asset—or why it matters?

In this video, we walk through the logic behind building a clean, effective asset portfolio. Learn how to define what belongs in your CMMS or EAM system, how to structure your asset hierarchy, and how to avoid the common mistakes that derail reliability strategies.

✅ What counts as an asset

✅ What to leave out

✅ How to build decision logic that lasts

✅ Why this matters for ISO 55000 and long-term success

If you’re tired of second-guessing your asset list, this is your starting point.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, on Maintenance Reliability, ReliabilityXperience

by Mike Sondalini Leave a Comment

It’s Time To Clear-Up A Serious Misunderstanding About Service Provider Certification To ISO 55001 Asset Management Standard

It’s Time To Clear-Up A Serious Misunderstanding About Service Provider Certification To ISO 55001 Asset Management Standard

ISO 55001 Certification Bodies are accrediting Service Providers to the ISO 55001 asset management standard in the misconstrued belief that a Service Provider’s ‘asset’ is the Contract with a Client. This misunderstanding is dire for service business success.

Having lots of paying clients is the cause of a Service Provider’s success. For a Service Provider, THE ASSET IS THE CLIENT. The Contract with a Client is not the asset!

There is a wonderful ISO 55001 certification benefit you get when YOUR CLIENT IS THE ASSET: The Contract between you and your Client can become your ISO 55001 Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP). After all, the Contract explains how you will provide your services to help the Client achieve their organizational goals. That’s exactly what a Strategic Asset Management Plan is meant to do.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Maintenance Management, on Maintenance Reliability

by Ryan Burns Leave a Comment

From Complete to Effective: Closing the Loop on RCA

From Complete to Effective: Closing the Loop on RCA

RCAs often get marked complete, but teams don’t know whether the investigation was actually effective.

Actions are assigned and work moves on, yet the investigation team rarely sees whether conclusions held up, whether actions prevented recurrence, or whether the same failure quietly showed up somewhere else.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, on Maintenance Reliability, The RCA Perfromance Playbook

by Nancy Regan Leave a Comment

Unit 2: Starting Points of RCM Analysis – Defining Equipment Functions and Operating Context

Unit 2: Starting Points of RCM Analysis – Defining Equipment Functions and Operating Context

RCM in a Nutshell | Free RCM Overview Course – Understand the RCM Process, what RCM (really ) is, How to Apply it Properly, and What Can Be Achieved

In this unit, we delve into the foundational steps of Reliability Centered Maintenance: defining the Operating Context and Functions. Starting with an Operating Context provides a narrative about what the equipment is, its technical details, its operational environment, and its usage expectations. This story sets the stage for a unified understanding among all stakeholders involved in maintaining the equipment. We then move to Functions, the first of seven steps in the RCM process, where reliability is not just an abstract concept but a tangible attribute defined through specific performance standards of the equipment. Through real-world comparisons of air compressor analyses, I illustrate the stark difference between routine function descriptions and those meticulously crafted to meet precise organizational needs. This segment reveals how detailed function writing not only enhances reliability but also uncovers critical insights about equipment operation, which can correct misconceptions and prevent chronic failures. Join me as we explore how properly written functions are integral to effective maintenance strategies and responsible equipment stewardship.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Everyday RCM, on Maintenance Reliability

by André-Michel Ferrari Leave a Comment

Using Crow-AMSAA Plots for RCAs

Using Crow-AMSAA Plots for RCAs

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Overview

A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a structured approach to identifying the underlying factors that result in the unwanted/unexpected outcomes of chronic or sporadic events. It is a methodic and rigorous process. It also highlights what assets, systems or behaviors need to be modified to limit or eliminate recurrence of similar undesirable outcomes. The fundamental driver is to address, correct or mitigate the root causes that lead to the unwanted event(s) rather than addressing the symptom(s). Bob Latino, a renowned RCA expert, summarizes this concept as “the establishing of logically complete, evidence based, tightly coupled chains of factors from the least acceptable consequences to the deepest significant underlying causes.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, The Reliability Mindset

by Mike Sondalini Leave a Comment

What is Enterprise Asset Management?

What is Enterprise Asset Management?

AN ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UNITES OPERATIONS, ENGINEERING, MAINTENANCE, AND THE SUPPLY CHAIN ACROSS THE ASSET LIFE CYCLE TO MEET CORPORATE BUSINESS OBJECTIVES AND PRODUCE HIGH PLANT AVAILABILITY AT THE LOWEST LIFETIME COST AND MOST OPERATING PROFIT

—

An enterprise asset management system needs asset reliability improvement processes throughout the life cycle that ensure utmost reliability and eliminate the need for maintenance. You can do that with a Plant Wellness Way EAM System-of-Reliability

What exactly is an Enterprise Asset Management System?

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Life Cycle Asset Management, on Maintenance Reliability

by Joe Anderson Leave a Comment

The Importance of a Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP)

The Importance of a Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP)

Asset management is a critical function for any organization that depends on physical assets to deliver products or services. Whether in manufacturing, utilities, infrastructure, or healthcare, effectively managing assets ensures reliability, efficiency, and cost control. However, managing assets without a clear strategy can lead to inefficiencies, unexpected failures, and wasted resources. This is where a Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) comes into play. 

A SAMP is a high-level document that outlines how an organization’s asset management activities align with its business objectives. It serves as a roadmap, ensuring that decisions related to asset acquisition, maintenance, and disposal are strategic rather than reactive. Without a SAMP, organizations risk mismanaging their assets, leading to increased costs, operational disruptions, and lost opportunities. 

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, on Maintenance Reliability, ReliabilityXperience

by Nancy Regan Leave a Comment

Unit 1: Solving the Airline Industry’s Crisis – The Birth of Reliability Centered Maintenance

Unit 1: Solving the Airline Industry’s Crisis – The Birth of Reliability Centered Maintenance

RCM in a Nutshell | Free RCM Overview Course – Understand the RCM Process, what RCM (really ) is, How to Apply it Properly, and What Can Be Achieved

Welcome to Hartley Whitney, England—a charming town dating back to the 12th century, whose enduring beauty inspires our discussion on Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM). In this first unit of our RCM overview course, we explore the pressing issues that gave birth to RCM over 50 years ago in the commercial airline industry. Discover how catastrophic failures led to groundbreaking research, revealing that equipment failure behaves in unexpectedly random patterns, contrary to the then-prevailing belief that failures mainly occurred due to aging. This revelation paved the way for the development of RCM principles, fundamentally changing maintenance strategies to better align with reality. Join me in this picturesque setting as we delve into the history and transformation brought about by RCM.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Everyday RCM, on Maintenance Reliability

by Mike Sondalini 1 Comment

Advice to Engineers Thinking of Becoming a Maintenance Consultant

Advice to Engineers Thinking of Becoming a Maintenance Consultant

Here are some truths and hard-won learning for engineers thinking of becoming a Maintenance Consultant, or any other sort of consultant. There are important know-hows covered in this article that you need to understand if you want to build a maintenance consultancy that delivers you consistent cash flow. I could have written a lot more, but there are really only two determinants you must focus on to become a viable consultancy: marketing and innovation. Read about how Lifetime Reliability Solutions Consultants started and what we had to learn to to market ourselves and survive when the business plan turned out to be completely useless.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Maintenance Management, on Maintenance Reliability

by Nancy Regan Leave a Comment

College vs Trades: My Mother’s Lesson Changed Everything

College vs Trades: My Mother’s Lesson Changed Everything

At the SMRP Conference, a panel discussion about workforce development — and the value of college versus the trades — reminded me of a lesson I’ll never forget.

When everyone around me said I had to go to college, my mother said something that changed the course of my life forever.

In this story, I share a moment from high school that taught me the power of intuition, trust, and having someone who believes in you enough to say, “It’s okay to wait.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Everyday RCM, on Maintenance Reliability

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