How to add an RCM Failure Mode Base File

How to add an RCM Failure Mode Base File

Failure Mode

RCM Type is used to distinguish between an RCM2™ and RCM3™ "Failure Mode".

RCM3™ Failure Modes Explained

Failure Mode is a term used to describe any event which causes a functional failure. A failure mode is the combination of a cause, and mechanism. Failure Modes must be described appropriately to assist in determining the failure management strategy. Failure Modes should consist of a noun and a verb such as "filter blocked” (direct cause of the functional failure). 

For example:

  1. Incoming power failed.
  2. Impeller failed.
  3. Casing ruptured.

Failure Mechanism describes the process or sequence of events leading to the cause of the failed state and is the root cause of the failure.

For example:

  1. Dirt buildup
  2. Normal wear
  3. Loose connection

RCM2™ Failure Modes Explained
The Failure Mode is a term used to describe any event that causes a functional failure, listed at an appropriate level of detail.
Failure Modes should consist of a noun and a verb such as "filter blocked” (direct cause of the Functional Failure).

For example:
• Incoming power failed for any reason
• Impeller failed due to normal wear
• Casing ruptured due to fatigue

This Base File is used to register standardized "Failure Modes" for both RCM2™ and RCM3™.

The Failure Modes can be added in two ways:

  1. From The Base Files
  2. During the actual Analysis


Adding new Failure Modes in the base file:

  1. Select the Failure Mode tab in the base files.
  2. Select the "Add" button. A pop-up window will appear for the user to capture Failure Mode details.


  1. Select the "RCM Type" from the drop-down menu.
  2. Capture the "Failure Mode".
  3. Capture the "Description".
  4. Capture Problem ID
  5. Click "Save".

Adding new "Failure Modes" from the Analysis

  1. First add a function or select an existing function from the Location tree.



  1. Now add the relevant Failed State or select an existing one from the Location tree.

  1. In the "Failure Mode Details" section, If the Failure Mode is not available from the dropdown menu, the user has the option to create a new Failure Mode by capturing it in the text box as illustrated below.

  1. Click the "Create" button and the Failure Mode will be added in the Base Files and added to the Location tree.
  2. To access the shortcut to the Basefiles from the analysis click the icon shown below.

Editing and Deleting existing Failure Modes


  1. Select the Failure Mode you wish to update. The row will be highlighted in grey to indicate its selection.
  2. Click the "Edit" or "Delete" button.


  1. If "Delete" is selected, a pop-up window will appear requesting the user to confirm the deletion. Click delete to continue and the record will be removed from the grid. If this action was a mistake, then click cancel.
  2. If the ""Delete" is done from the Information Worksheet, select the existing failure mode from the location tree and click the Delete button as illustrated. You may also right click and delete.

  1. If the "Edit" button is selected from the Base file, update the Failure Mode details and click save.
  2. If the "Edit" is done from the Information Worksheet during the analysis, select the existing Failure Mode from the Location tree. This will open the "Failure Mode Details" section, select a different failure mode from the dropdown menu or create a new one and then click the "Save" button and the Failure Mode Cause will be updated.