Reliability-Centred Maintenance (RCM) is a structured process used to determine the most effective maintenance strategies for equipment, based on its function, criticality, and the consequences of failure. The goal is to ensure that assets continue to perform their intended functions with maximum reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
A Lubrication Reliability programme aligned with RCM ensures that lubrication tasks are planned and prioritised according to the actual risk and criticality of each component. This prevents under-lubrication or over-lubrication, extends equipment life, and supports the organisation’s overall reliability goals.
| Aspect | Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) | Reliability-Centred Maintenance (RCM) |
|---|
| Primary Goal | Maximise productivity by preventing breakdowns and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). | Ensure assets perform their intended functions reliably, safely, and cost-effectively. |
| Approach | Proactive, team-based maintenance involving operators, technicians, and management. | Structured, analytical process to determine the optimal maintenance strategy for each asset. |
| Focus | Daily care, operator involvement, and continuous improvement to avoid losses. | Failure modes, criticality, and consequences to optimise maintenance planning. |
| Decision Basis | Continuous improvement activities and standard work practices. | Risk assessment and failure mode analysis (FMEA). |
| Lubrication Reliability Alignment | Integrates lubrication into daily checks and preventive tasks performed by operators. | Schedules and prioritises lubrication based on risk, criticality, and equipment function. |
| Strengths | Builds ownership, improves culture, and reduces small, preventable stoppages. | Delivers targeted, cost-effective maintenance plans for critical assets. |
| Best Use | Environments seeking strong operator engagement and reduced minor stoppages. | Environments where asset criticality and failure impact are key drivers for maintenance planning. |