Modern equipment is now so complex and the consequences of failure are so serious that it is no longer possible to develop viable physical asset management strategies using traditional approaches. An array of proven analytical techniques and management processes are now available to deal systematically with the most pressing issues confronting the managers of physical assets. Many of these techniques overlap and therefore need to be applied in a coherent and efficient manner.

Reliability-Centred Maintenance ensures that an organisation continues to operate as intended and to realise improvements in minimum maintenance levels.

RCM recognises that assets have different potential for failure and incorporates this knowledge into recommendations for maintenance plans that have the objectives of improving machine up-time, reliability and return on investment.