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Maintenance Tips 1 - Root Cause Analysis Definition

The document discusses root cause analysis (RCA) and provides tips for conducting RCA. It notes that there is no standard definition of RCA, so organizations should develop their own definition for internal communication. It then provides an example definition as a starting point. The document emphasizes that defining RCA specifically for one's own organization helps ensure everyone is on the same page when conducting RCA. It also provides additional tips on data analysis and backing up motor test data.

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95 views2 pages

Maintenance Tips 1 - Root Cause Analysis Definition

The document discusses root cause analysis (RCA) and provides tips for conducting RCA. It notes that there is no standard definition of RCA, so organizations should develop their own definition for internal communication. It then provides an example definition as a starting point. The document emphasizes that defining RCA specifically for one's own organization helps ensure everyone is on the same page when conducting RCA. It also provides additional tips on data analysis and backing up motor test data.

Uploaded by

geniunet
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Tips

RCA DEFINITION

One of the many problems with the use of the term RCA is that it has no standard,
accepted definition. Even the major RCA providers on the market today cannot agree
on a definition of RCA nor its essential elements. This is primarily because it is
blocked by business concerns that if such definitions and elements are standardized,
and my product or approach does not meet the requirements, I will be at a business
loss {that is another article!).

My point here is that for proper communication within your own organization, you
should develop a definition of what RCA is for your purposes. That way everyone can
be on the same song sheet when it comes to RCA. Without such a definition,
everyone interprets it to be what they want it to be and there is a breakdown in
communication.

Below is a definition provided on a listserve I participate on, that we find acceptable:

Root Cause Analysis is any evidence-driven process that, at a minimum, uncovers


underlying truths about past adverse events, thereby exposing opportunities for
making lasting improvements. (5/20/04 – Mr. William Salot)

Use this as a draft to form your own definition, but whatever you do, define what
RCA is for your organization.

Tip provided by the Reliability Center Inc.


http://www.reliability.com
Tel: 804-458-0645

Data Analysis Tip

Data Analysis Tip Part 3 – Compare Identical Machines


Archived at
http://maintenancetalk.com/blog.php/tipsblog

When troubleshooting or using vibration in a Predictive Maintenance program


comparing identical machines to each other is often the best method to diagnose a
problem – especially if you suspect a problem exists in one or more of the machines.
When vibration data is collected on a bearing housing using an accelerometer, one is
not only measuring vibration forces, but also the effect of the structure on these
forces. There is no vibration severity guide in existence that accommodates for the
effect of the structure and this is one reason why guides are only “guides”. Not only
that, the effect of the structure is different at every frequency.

Some small machines normally exhibit high vibration levels while some large
machines barely vibrate at all. In either case, they all produce unique patterns. The
best comparison one can make therefore is between two identical machines, or
between reference data from the same machine from an earlier test date. Always
test the machines in the same locations and under the same conditions. (speed, load
and configuration). “Normalize” the data and compare them. If troubleshooting, note
the test conditions and save the data for later use.

Tip provided by DLI Engineering


http://www.dliengineering.com
Tel: 206-842-7656

Motor Testing Tip


The Importance of Backing Up Data

The importance of backing up data cannot be overstated. After figuring out how to
test motors, setting up a predictive maintenance program and spending a lot of staff
hours to test the motors only to lose the data is detrimental to business. Data lose
will not only cost time, but it will also cost information and the history of each motor.
Spending a few minutes at frequent intervals backing up data will be time well spent.
Data collected carefully and meaningfully gives a picture of the history of each motor
and is an asset in determining the health of the motor. SO BACK IT UP!!!!

Tip provided by Baker Instrument


Tel: (800) 752-8272
http://www.bakerinst.com

Check Baker's Motor Testing User Group Schedule

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