Simulation in RCM training

The author employed computer simulations during reliability centered maintenance (RCM) training to quickly improve the students´ understanding of RCM and other maintenance strategy changes. These simulations allowed the trainee to modify maintenance tactics in the nonthreatening environment of the personal computer. The simulators displayed years of results in minutes, giving the trainees an unparalleled perspective. As a conclusion to RCM training, the simulations allowed the students to immediately practice what they learned in the classroom. The author developed simulations at three levels of maintenance strategy: component, plant, and enterprise-wide. The simulators quickly moved trainees´ mindsets to a paradigm closer to one consistent with RCM. The computer models reinforced many of the RCM training objectives. The trainees saw the effects of different probability-of-failure curves on the choice of maintenance tactic. They saw how RCM optimized maintenance in the simulation runs and, by extension, could see that RCM was an affective strategy for their equipment. Finally, the enterprise-wide simulation demonstrated how longer-range maintenance decisions must be made carefully to prevent degradation of capital assets