How to add the RCM Failure Mechanism Base file

How to add the RCM Failure Mechanism Base file

Failure Mechanisms (Failure Mode Mechanisms)

Failure Mechanisms describe 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
This Base File is used to register standardized failure mechanisms.  This is only used for RCM3™ analyses. The Failure Mechanisms can be associated with a corresponding Failure Mode during the completion of the Information Worksheet when performing the analysis.

The Failure Mechanism can be added in two ways:
  1. From The Base Files
  2. During the actual Analysis


Adding new "Failure Mechanisms" from the Base Files:

  1. Select the Mechanism Tab.
  2. Select the "Add" button from the menu.


  1. Capture the Failure Mechanism.
  2. Capture the Description.
  3. Capture Cause ID
  4. Click "Save".


Adding new "Failure Mechanism" from the Analysis:


In the Information Worksheet under the "Failure Mode Details" section, once the Failure mode cause has been added create a new Failure Mechanism by typing it in the text box and clicking the "Create" button as illustrated below. The new Failure Mechanism will be added to the Base files.



Editing and Deleting existing Failure Mechanisms

  1. Select the Failure Mechanism you wish to update. This row will be highlighted in grey to indicate its selection.
  2. Select 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 Mechanism 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 mechanism from the location tree and click the delete button. This action will remove the Failure mode as well.


  1. If the "Edit" button is selected in the Base file, update the Failure Mechanism details.
  2. Click "Save".
  3. If the Failure Mechanism is updated from the analysis, select the Failure Mechanism from the Location tree and the Failure Mechanism details will appear in the Information Worksheet under "Failure Mode Details". Update the Failure Mechanism details and click the "Save" button.