Failure Consequences and Proactive Maintenance in RCM

Published on February 18, 2026

In Unit 6, we explore the next steps in the Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) process: Step 5, assessing Failure Consequences and Step 6, Proactive Maintenance and associated intervals. Building on our previous work in identifying Failure Effects, we now analyze whether these failures have safety, environmental, operational, or non-operational consequences. From there, we delve into step six of the RCM process: proactive maintenance, which includes both Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) and Preventive Maintenance. Through practical examples, such as monitoring bearing vibrations or scheduling oil changes, we illustrate how to develop technically appropriate and cost-effective maintenance tasks. We also examine the P-F interval and its role in determining CBM task intervals, ensuring that maintenance is performed only when necessary, maximizing the useful life of components. Join us as we demystify these essential concepts and learn how to apply them.

About the Author:
 
Nancy Regan is an RCM expert with 26+ years of experience in analysis, training, and implementation. She helps organizations cut costs, prevent failures, and build a Reliability Culture. With a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle, she authored The RCM Solution, a guide to successful RCM programs.

 

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