So far, there has been a gradual build-up in describing and linking RCM to the overall product lifecycle.
In the context of a wind turbine project, the systems representation of the lifecycle is shown in Fig 5 below.
The two clouds represent the production (in blue) and services/operations (in green) stages of the lifecycle showing the
important interactions between major constituents of both systems.
In a quick run through, a gearbox after being designed will go through a series of tests and then once manufactured will have to be integrated with other subsystems of the wind turbine (product integration).
After integration with other components, the turbine is then installed in the field (construction) after which the service and operations lifetime begin in the field.
The fieldoperation is characterized by plant operations and platform management.
Plant operations are responsible for running individual wind farms while the platform management consists of those responsible for managing specific wind turbine type across different regions.
Both the plant operations and platform management are responsible for overseeing service and maintenance of the turbines.
The diagram also shows the connecting links from design to the field O&M stages and also the links between the quality team and other upstream stages of the lifecycle.
Finally, the top management oversees all the different stages emphasizing the importance of aligning all stages of the lifecycle to the overall business strategy.