GGR help their clients to select the most suitable performance improvement methodology for achieving the results they require.

RCM-based performance improvement approaches:

  • Classical RCM - Where there is a commitment to standard RCM
  • Fast-track RCM - The fast and effective choice for most situations - incorporates key features from the main non-RCM approaches
  • Review RCM - Eliminates and corrects excessive or non-value adding PM regimes
  • Generic RCM - Avoids duplicating analysis effort on similar plant
  • See more detail by clicking on any of the above approaches.

Non-RCM approaches:

TPM

Plant-wide approach to performance improvement. TPM was developed in Japan: the approach focuses particularly on performance measurement and work place improvement - e.g. cleanliness, housekeeping, lubrication. TPM aims to improve behaviour and encourages teamworking with autonomous maintenance. Normally applied plant-wide.

FMEA/FMECA

Used mainly at the design stage to eliminate inherent design weaknesses. Similar to RCM (from which it was derived) but has no aids to ensure all significant failure modes are identified and a less rigorous task selection logic. FMECA does, however, include a form of criticality assessment to help establish priorities.

SMED

Specifically to improve set-ups/changeovers and also developed in the Japanese motor industry. SMED aims to reduce set-up time to single minute figures by a combination of better workplace and tooling organisation, plant/product design alterations, and set-up method changes to reduce lost time.

LEAN

Normally applied company-wide and aimed at cultural change to continuous improvement. Lean focuses on the elimination of waste - in all its forms, such as defects, waiting, and unnecessary inventory and transport. Lean projects frequently start with value stream mapping and the identification of losses through waste.

Tools used in Lean may then include SMED, TPM, OEE, 5S, Kanban, Kaizen and Six Sigma. Fast-track RCM is consistent with Lean principles and is often used as an effective Lean performance improving tool.

Know how all these work? Their strengths and weaknesses? Where they will succeed and where they will struggle? If not, come on a course. It could be one of your key decisions this year - and will help you make the right low-risk choice.