What is RCM and RBI

RCM is Reliability Centered Maintenance

It is a different way at studying and maintaining equipment, based on the following;
RCM is an on-going process which determines the mix of

Reactive,
Preventive, and
Proactive maintenance practices

To provide the required reliability at the minimum cost. It can use diagnostic tools and
measurements to assess when a component is near failure and should be replaced.
The basic thrust is to eliminate more costly unscheduled maintenance and minimize preventive
maintenance.
An on-going process which determines the mix of reactive, preventive, and proactive maintenance
practices to provide the required reliability at the minimum cost. It can use diagnostic tools and
measurements to assess when a component is near failure and should be replaced. The basic
thrust is to eliminate more costly unscheduled maintenance and minimize preventive maintenance.

Methodology used to define a maintenance program while having reliability as an input to the
decision making process. Originally developed by the aviation industry and known as MSG-3
(Maintenance Steering Group), Reliability Centered Maintenance or RCM has since been adopted
by many different industries.
www.relexsoftware.com/reliability/glossary.asp is a process to determine why and what PM is
performed on equipment based on its role in maintaining system function.
www.lincolntechnology.com/re/redefs.htm
A structured process, originally developed in the airline industry, but now commonly used in all
industries to determine the equipment maintenance strategies required for any physical asset to
ensure that it continues to fulfill its intended functions in its present operating context. A number of
books have been written on the subject, but none better than Moubray's book, RCM II.
www.maintenanceresources.com/ReferenceLibrary/MaintenanceManagement/KeyTerms.htm

RBI is Risk Based Inspection

It is a different way at looking at doing maintenance on equipment, based on the following;
It is now widely accepted that the traditional time-based approach (PM's) to planned plant
inspection by a competent person has a number of shortcomings. In particular, the use of fixed
intervals between inspections may be too conservative and lacks the freedom to benefit from good
operating experience. The introduction of goal setting legislation has facilitated a move towards risk
based strategies, which focus inspection resources on parts of the plant where they will have the
greatest benefit.
Risk based inspection considers the probability of failure and its consequences. The
technique is intended to get better value for money from inspection.
RBI is a technique, which is currently being adopted by some sectors of industry, particularly the
refining and petrochemical sectors, to underpin and direct planned plant inspection. It is claimed to

offer the prospect of cost savings resulting from better targeting of resources. RBI recognizes that
there is little point to spending good money, for example, on very frequent inspection of something
that is very unlikely to fail, or if it did fail would have little financial or safety consequence. In line
with the principles of ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable) the money saved may be better
spent elsewhere. Savings can also arise from reduced direct inspection costs.
There can be additional safety benefits by use of the technique, since it focuses on critical plant
and identifies priorities for inspection based on the risk of failure.
Whether the RBI technique achieves safety standards which are at least the equivalent of
conventional techniques will depend amongst other factors on:

The accuracy of data used in support of risk assessment methods

The arrangements for audit and review of RBI methods

The motivation for change from conventional inspection methods

The principle of RBI is likely to become more widely used in the future. Whilst any review of
inspection is probably beneficial, and any initiative aimed at saving money may be expedient the
costs of moving to RBI should not be underestimated.
RBI is a powerful tool - if carried out correctly. There is a longer term potential, with reduced
downtime etc, for genuine cost savings. Without full support, the technique may not give the
expected benefits and decisions on changes to maintenance methods may not be based on sound
evidence. Most importantly, the real function of good inspection - to achieve the highest level of
safety - must not be forgotten.