Reliability Excellence

What is RELIABILITY?

Reliability of a system and its components are defined by its ability to perform a desired function under predetermined conditions for a set period of time (i.e. lifecycle, MTBF, BS 5760: Part 0 Reliability).  As such, reliability is a time-based indicator of how often a particular unacceptable condition occurs, or in other words, the frequency of failures.  In general, reliability is decreased in more complicated systems and systems with more components and is increased in simple systems with fewer components.

Implementing Reliability Excellence programs

Reliability Centered Maintenance or Reliability Centered Management programs are popular with many companies. Great benefits can be obtained if the RCM project is planned and resourced with the right people and tools. There is a huge risk in tackling a project of this scope when your team does not have considerable training and experience in this area. The following graphic outlines the key phases in an RCM project.


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Carver’s Reliability Technical Services Team has many years experience, worldwide, in all of the above RCM phases, including the development of extensive data bases of standard failure modes and standard maintenance programs by equipment class.

Carver specializes in rapidly developing and delivering practical reliability and maintenance improvement solutions.  Contact CARVER today to ensure your organization reaches Reliability Excellence.

Self Test for RELIABILITY Excellence


Reliability Excellence involves a number of defining characteristics that must be achieved to place your organization amongst the best. The list below encompasses key attributes of top quartile Reliability Management.

Review the following and put a check mark beside the elements you believe have some opportunities for improvement.

1.   Beliefs that are common to everyone within the organization is the single most important factor:
      a. Process reliability is the master of equipment reliability priorities.
      b. reliability excellence is the main focus
      c. maintenance improvement is continuous
      d. maintenance is recognized as a contributing resource center

2.   Effective Reliability Organizational Structure – The Planning function expects the Reliability analysis team to
      feed lifecycle failure mode timing and root causes to him in order to update the critical assets Maintenance Strategies.

3.   Integration of Reliability related processes involves  cooperation from many departments

4.   Job Descriptions, responsibilities and core competencies for every technical position are clearly defined.

5.   Reliability Block Diagrams, RCFA, FMEA, Process Performance Management Training Programs are requirements
      for all senior technical ;positions, including Operations.

6.   Downtime job Schedules have defined estimating accuracy tolerances.

7.   Job Plans dissect the jobs into; mobilization, site preparation, disassembly, repair, reassembly, testing and start-up.

8.   Teamwork Just as the overall performance of personnel, equipment and plant performance are interrelated,
      so are the business needs of Materials Management, Design, Maintenance and Operations. Team decision
      making, sharing and cooperative use of information are key to optimizing plant performance.

9.   Quantified Measurements and Goals with interim targets are established

10. Critical equipment and maintenance process measures are defined and reviewed quarterly.

11. Equipment failure history is routinely obtained and effectively applied against the development of Maintenance
       strategies or design reviews.

12. Equipment uptime is improving due to reliable PM programs and Reliability Engineering support.