Nancy Regan — Active Contributor

RCM Case Study Part 1/4

Mini RCM Case Study: Creating a Reliability Strategy from My Trip to the Dentist

Welcome to Part 1 of our four-part mini-series, where we’ll create an RCM case study inspired by a relatable scenario: a trip to the dentist! In this series, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) and apply them in a practical, engaging way.

In this video, we’ll cover:

1. Operating Context – Learn what it is, why it’s important, and how to draft it.

2. Functions – Discover how to define the reliability you need from your equipment by writing specific and measurable functions.

Meet Johnny Chomper—a 30-year-old professional whose teeth need to perform well to support his lifestyle. From biting and chewing to maintaining a confident smile, Johnny’s teeth are put to the test daily. We’ll draft his operating context and write a Primary Function that clearly defines the reliability required from his teeth. What You’ll Learn:

• How to set the stage for an RCM analysis with a detailed operating context.
• The importance of defining functions to establish reliability goals for your assets.
• Step-by-step guidance on how to write a function that captures the desired reliability.

Stay tuned as we build this case study step-by-step, bringing RCM concepts to life in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. Don’t miss the next video, where we’ll dive into Failure Modes and Failure Effects!

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Understanding the P-F Interval

How do you determine the right interval for a Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) task? It all comes down to the P-F Interval—the time between when a Potential Failure Condition is detectable to when the failure occurs.

In this video, I break down how to set CBM task intervals correctly using a simple example. The Failure Mode is: “Filter clogs due to normal use.” I’ll explain that CBM task intervals aren’t based on Criticality, MTBF, or the Useful Life, but instead on how quickly failure occurs once a Potential Failure Condition is detectable.

Learn how to properly identify and set your CBM task intervals to keep your equipment running reliably

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Why Inherent Reliability is About More Than Just How Long Equipment Lasts 🌟

In this video, filmed at the iconic Kukulcan Temple in Chichen Itza, Mexico, I explore one of the most important concepts in Reliability: Inherent Reliability. Inherent Reliability isn’t just about how long something will last without failing—it’s about how long it will last when we “feed” it with the right proactive maintenance and appropriate default strategies.

Just as the ancient Mayans offered blood sacrifices to feed their gods, we need to feed our equipment with the right maintenance tasks at the right intervals to keep it performing as needed. Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) helps us identify the precise tasks and timing to protect our assets, ensuring that we get the Reliability we need.

In this video, you’ll learn:

The true meaning of Inherent Reliability
How Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) helps define what failure means to you
The importance of performing the right maintenance tasks at the right intervals

Equip your team with the knowledge to “feed” your assets and achieve the Reliability you’re aiming for. Watch now to learn more!

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Why RCM is a Must for Every Reliability Professional 🛠️

In this video, I’m taking you to the foundation of our new metal building to show why learning Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) should be a must for every reliability professional—even if you never formally implement it. RCM creates the foundation for an effective Reliability Culture by teaching five core concepts that are essential for any team.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Core Concept 1: How defining Functions establishes the reliability you need.
Core Concept 2: Why identifying Failure Modes correctly is crucial for managing failures.
Core Concept 3: How to choose proactive maintenance tasks that are technically feasible and worth doing.
Core Concept 4: Understanding the role of Protective Devices and Failure Finding tasks.
Core Concept 5: The power of multidisciplinary teams in RCM and why collaboration leads to stronger, more reliable outcomes.

Whether you fully implement RCM or simply learn its core concepts, understanding these fundamentals makes you a more effective reliability professional. So, are you ready to build your foundation?

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In this tutorial, I show you how to determine which Functions to include in your Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) so you can avoid the common pitfall of creating a meaningless list of generic Functions. Many organizations end up with a “Component FMEA,” filled with unnecessary or poorly defined Functions that don’t truly represent what’s needed from the equipment. In this video, I’ll walk you through an algorithm that will help you focus on what’s important, using an industrial air compressor as an example. By the end, you’ll know how to:

• Write effective Primary Functions with clear performance standards
• Use an algorithm to decide which Functions should be included
• Avoid analysis paralysis and keep your FMEA meaningful and manageable

Don’t let a never-ending list of Functions bog down your analysis—watch now to learn how to streamline your approach!

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In today’s short video, I share how the delivery of our new metal building reminded me of a key aspect of Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM). RCM was designed to be carried out with a Facilitated Working Group approach, bringing together a team of equipment experts to answer the RCM questions.

By using this approach, not only do you get comprehensive answers, but you also capture and memorialize the knowledge and experience of your experts—something that could amount to over 100 cumulative years’ experience in the room!

Even if one of your team members retires or moves on, their knowledge remains. Watch to find out how you can make the most of this valuable resource.

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Is Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) a maintenance plan?

In this short video, I explain why RCM is NOT a maintenance plan. It’s a process designed to help YOU determine the most effective proactive maintenance tasks and how often to perform them. But that’s not all! In this video I give a quick overview to answer the question: “What is Reliability Centered Maintenance?”

You start by creating a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Then, you analyze each Failure Mode using the RCM Decision Diagram—one at a time. First, you assess the consequences, then you consider Condition-Based Maintenance or Preventive Maintenance. RCM also helps you formulate solutions for Failure Modes that can’t be predicted or prevented. You can develop solutions like Failure Finding tasks, procedure changes, or additional training.

With RCM, you’ll get the reliability you need, one Failure Mode at a time.

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When you do RCM you also create an FMEA.

In this video, I explain the connection between Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Many people wonder if these are two different processes, but when you perform RCM, the first four steps—defining functions, identifying functional failures, analyzing failure modes, and assessing failure effects—essentially fulfill the requirements of an FMEA. By following the RCM process, you’re already doing the work needed for an FMEA. I break this down and show how they align.

I’m Nancy Regan, and I hope this clears up the confusion! Thank you for watching.

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Do you have to apply Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) to every asset? Of course not! In this short video, I explain how RCM can be applied as broadly or as narrowly as you need, depending on your organization’s specific needs. Don’t worry about doing RCM for everything—just focus where it matters most!

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What Is SAE JA1011? The International Standard for Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)

In today’s video, I explain SAE JA1011, the internationally recognized standard that sets the minimum criteria for any process to be called Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM). Published in 1999, this 12-page document was created to ensure that the term “RCM” is used correctly, following the original principles defined by Stanley Nowlan and Howard Heap. If you’re ever presented with a process claiming to be RCM, SAE JA1011 is your go-to reference to verify that the process is True RCM.

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Do You Need a Formal Criticality Analysis to Select Equipment for RCM? In today’s video, I answer a common question: is a formal criticality analysis required to determine what equipment should undergo Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)? While you can perform a formal criticality analysis, it’s not always necessary. One of the best ways to get started with RCM is to focus on equipment that causes chronic downtime or has the highest costs. Starting small with pilot projects on your highest pain points is a practical approach. Join me in beautiful Santiago, Chile, as I share how common sense can guide your RCM efforts, ensuring you get the reliability you need without overcomplicating the process.

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Time to Review Your Maintenance Tasks with RCM

If you’re managing equipment that’s 10, 20, or even 40 years old, it may be time to revisit some of the maintenance tasks you’ve put in place. In today’s video, I explain why it’s essential to periodically review your proactive maintenance tasks and other strategies as your equipment ages and how Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) principles can help.

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Building a Culture That Lasts

Hi everyone, I’m Nancy Regan, coming to you from beautiful Key Largo, Florida! ☀️ In today’s video, I’m discussing who’s responsible for reliability in an organization. Just like the intricate root systems of mangroves, every part of your organization plays a role in creating a strong and effective Reliability Culture.

From operators and maintainers to engineers and management, everyone must be involved to achieve the reliability you need from your equipment. Watch the full video to learn why building an effective Reliability Culture is essential and learn how to do it!

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In this short video, I explain the key concept of Failure Modes—the specific causes of Functional Failures—and why they are the foundation of Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM).

Just like not all dollar bills are created equal, Failure Modes vary in severity, and some can have a much greater impact on your equipment’s Reliability.

Learn why proactively identifying Failure Modes is critical to managing your assets effectively and how RCM can help you achieve the Reliability you need—without overpaying for it.

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Key Lesson for Success in Reliability Centered Maintenance

Why Do Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) Analyses Fail?

Hi everyone, I’m Nancy Regan, and in today’s video, I’m coming to you from the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza in Mexico! Standing in front of the “ball game” court, I’m reminded of one of the biggest reasons why Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) analyses often fail.

Just like trying to learn everything about this historic site in a few minutes, many organizations attempt to implement RCM after reading a book or taking a quick course, without truly understanding the process. In this video, I explain why having a deep understanding of RCM is crucial to carrying out a successful analysis—and how going into too little or too much detail can cause problems.

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