Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM): Implementation Made Simple [Hardcover]

Neil Bloom (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071460691 | ISBN-13: 978-0071460699 | Publication Date: December 1, 2005 | Edition: 1

A properly implemented and managed RCM program can save millions in unscheduled maintenance and breakdowns. However, many have found the process daunting. Written by an expert with over 30 years of experience, this book introduces innovative approaches to simplify the RCM process such as: single vs. multiple failure analysis, hidden failures analysis, potentially critical components analysis, run-to-failure and the difference between redundant, standby, and backup functions. Included are real life examples of flawed preventive maintenance programs and how they led to disasters that could have easily been avoided. Also illustrated in detail, with real-life examples, is the step-by-step process for developing, implementing, and maintaining a premier classical RCM program. Senior management, middle management, supervisors, and craftsmen/technicians responsible for plant safety and reliability will find this book to be invaluable as a means for establishing a first class preventive maintenance program.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Maximize Efficiency, Output, and Quality with RCM

RCM (Reliability-Centered Maintenance) can save millions of dollars in repair and equipment failure costs -- but it can be difficult to implement without proper guidance. Written by an expert with more than thirty years' experience, this resource offers innovative approaches and practical advice to simplify and facilitate the introduction and management of the RCM process.

Measurable, real-world, benefits:

• Maximize maintenance operations
• Improve accuracy and organization of reliability data
• Decrease maintenance costs
• Enhance manufacturing operations
• Reduce work order backlog

With this guide, readers will be able to implement a maintenance strategy that will maximize their plant and equipment life-cycle while increasing safety, quality, and output. Readers will find clear, real-world coverage of essential RCM topics such as:

• Single vs. multiple failure analysis
• Cost considerations
• Hidden failures
• Critical components
• Run-to-failure
• An explanation of redundant, standby, and backup functions

Develop an effective, dollar-saving maintenance strategy: Why RCM Has Been So Difficult to Implement; RCM: The Next Plateau – Fundamental RCM; Classical RCM Implementation Made Simple; The Implementation Process; Typical Examples of "Golden Nuggets"; A RCM Living Program.

About the Author

Neil Bloom received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami, where he also minored in economics. He has a unique depth of experience as a practitioner of RCM and preventive maintenance programs having worked in close association for over 30 years with the two leading-edge federal agencies most responsible for reliability and safety, namely the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). His RCM experience in commercial aviation and nuclear power has been in both Engineering and Maintenance, where the RCM process meets its most formidable challenges for successful implementation. RCM can be a powerful reliability tool but unfortunately, and unjustly, it has become what is greatly perceived as a complex, difficult, and costly undertaking. As a result, the author has introduced innovative concepts allowing the classical RCM process to reach a new plateau for the average layperson, thusly making the entire process less daunting, more straightforward and simpler. He explains what can and what cannot be done - what works and what doesn’t work - he understands where the pitfalls are and how to avoid them. Mr. Bloom has been a guest speaker on RCM at national and international conferences including the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Nuclear Society (ANS), the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) which is operated by the University of Chicago for the Department of Energy (DOE), the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 291 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (December 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071460691
• ISBN-13: 978-0071460699
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,818 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Neil Bloom is internationally known for his expertise in Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM). His background includes having worked in commercial aviation and commercial nuclear power where he worked closely with both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)who are the two most stringent overseers of safety and reliability. He provides In-house RCM seminars to all types of industries (refer to www.rcmtrainingseminars.com). He teaches at several universities and is highly sought after by major corporations for presenting his RCM In-house training seminars.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transform Maintenance at your Plant or Facility, April 15, 2006

By 

Terrence OHanlon "Reliabilityweb.com" (Fort Myers FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM): Implementation Made Simple (Hardcover)

RCM or Reliability Centered Maintenance is a great method for determining the right maintenance work to ensure asset function. It changed maintenance thinking from "fix it" to "maintain function" and avoid breakdown to begin with. It has been almost 30 years since Nowlan and Heap's original report on Reliability Centered Maintenance and yet - confusion and mystery still abound. Many RCM projects fail to realize the improvements that are desired at the outset.

The new book by Neil Bloom peals away the layers of fog the suround RCM and provides a clear way forward for anyone interested in improving reliability. Even small and midsize plants and facilities can take the information provided by "RCM - Implementation Made Simple" and begin to perform Reliability Centered Maintenance to improve plant performance.

I manage a community of over 55,000 maintenance and reliability professionals and I am recommending the each and every person read this book! Seasoned RCM experts along with people who are brand new to the concept will find things they can put to immediate use.

Thanks Neil for empowering the maintenance and reliability community and for giving us a tool we can all use as a way forward for improved maintenance and reliability.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on creating The Reliability Program for your plant, March 23, 2006

By 

Kelly Beran - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM): Implementation Made Simple (Hardcover)

I am a Reliability Engineering Coordinator at a chemicals plant. I have worked in Design and Manufacturing, Smelting, and Mining. I started my career as a junior design engineer, rising to a senior reliability engineer, and finally a Reliability Engineering Coordinator.

At previous employers I performed RCM exercises with great results, but this required enormous amounts of personal energy and time. In my current role I have already started using the language in this book to build greater support for the RCM processes amongst management, operations, engineering, and the critical frontline tradesmen and operators. The response has been nothing short of amazing.

The RCM processes described by Neil are not only powerful at aiding people in the understanding of true RCM, but the simplicity allows for quick progression through an RCM project. This book is a must read for any organization considering RCM.
I have recommended this book to my peers at my current employer and past employers and I would recommend it to any other maintenance and reliability professional.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on a misunderstood subject, February 17, 2006

By 

Robert L. Hobbs "Maint Planner" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM): Implementation Made Simple (Hardcover)

I have worked in the maintenance business for 37 years. This is the first book I have read that addresses the age old problem of PM's on equipment in a clear cut and easy manner. In the industry we end up either performingpreventivemaintenance too often or not enough and often times not on
critical components. This book is a must read for anyone that is developing a PM program or looking to enhance their present program. By performing preventive maintenance on the RIGHT equipment and at the RIGHT time companies can realize greater efficiency and profits.