RCM Toolkit FAQ

Introduction

This page contains a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the RCM Toolkit.

Version History

Current Version

The most recent version is 7.0 (August 2006)

Changes in Version 7

Version 7 of the Toolkit includes the following new features.

This version enables you to export RCM data in XML format and to import many RCM data elements from XML files.
The RCM Analysis Explorer replaces the RCM Analysis Organiser. The new Explorer provides a graphical drag-and-drop system for organising and renumbering RCM analyses.
The RCM Clipboard enables you to cut, copy and paste complete RCM Analysis objects, including functions, functional failures and failure modes. When you copy a function or functional failure, its child functional failures and failure modes are also copied.
The RCM Template Explorer enables you to define detailed multi-level templates. It integrates with the RCM Explorer and Clipboard. Templates can be pasted into the RCM Information Worksheet through a simple right-click menu.
The RCM Failure Mode Review form has been combined with Failure Mode Details, Task Details, and Keyword Setup forms.
The Failure Mode Review form now allows you to add and delete functions, functional failures and failure modes.
Right-click menus are provided on most text fields which enable fast access to common functions.
The modification list report may be filtered according to modification type, enabling you to separate physical redesigns from other one-off changes such as operational changes and retraining.
The Asset Explorer combines the hierarchical asset tree with the operating context and RCM Analysis List forms.
A database-wide search dialog enables you to find words and short phrases in RCM analyses, tasks and assets.
The Toolkit setup forms have been redesigned for simpler data entry.
It is now possible to record costs against skills.

Changes in Version 6

Version 6 of the Toolkit includes the following new features.

Full formal definition of RCM tasks
Task grouping
Graphical Operating Context Explorer
RCM Decision Justification
Simple user-defined report creation
Resizable Information Worksheet form
Failure mode feedback
Read-only RCM Toolkit for use in networked environments (supplied with Network system only)
Task Export in XML format
Import and export assets
Works with the eRCM browser interface

How do I get the latest version of the Toolkit?

Updates are sent automatically to all users who have current support contracts. Please contact your distributor if you don't have the latest version.

If you also use the RCS Toolkit, you should ensure that you upgrade your copy of the RCS Toolkit at the same time as the RCM Toolkit.

What Operating Systems are compatible with the Toolkit?

The Toolkit has been tested with the following operating systems.

Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows Me
Windows XP Home
Windows NT version 3.51
Window NT 4.0 SP6
Windows 2000 SP1, SP2
Windows XP Pro

How can I see all the text in small fields?

Typing Shift-F2 opens a window showing all text in a field.

How do I start the Toolkit without having to enter a user name and password?

Modify the Toolkit's Start Bar icon properties. At the end of the existing command line type a space followed by

/cmd user rcm password rcm

Substitute your own user name and password if they are different.

What is the best way to save an analysis to an external drive?

You may need to save a single analysis to a floppy disc or CD-ROM to back it up or to transfer it to another computer. It is possible to do this by selecting Save Analysis To... from the File menu, then selecting a floppy disc file as the destination. However, floppy disc drives are very much slower that your computer's internal hard disc drive, and it can take several minutes to save one analysis.

You can reduce the time taken by copying the analysis to your hard disc, then copying that file to your floppy drive. To import an analysis, first copy the file from the floppy disc or CD to your hard disc, then import from the hard disc file.

Which files do I need to back up?

In versions 5.50 and 6.0 of the Toolkit, you should back up Database.rcm, which contains your RCM data, and Users.rcw, which contains security and workgroup information.

In earlier versions the file RCM.MDB contains all of your RCM and user data.

How do I enter special characters such as "½"?

The following method works in the RCM toolkit and most Microsoft Windows products such as Word and Outlook. You can also use the "Character Map" utility which is a standard accessory provided with Windows.

Hold down the ALT key, and whilst it is down use the numeric keypad to type the numbers as indicated. Remember to include the zero at the start of each number.

²	Superscript "2"	ALT + 0178
³	Superscript "3"	ALT + 0179
®	Registered Trade Mark	ALT + 0174
©	Copyright	ALT + 0169
¼	One quarter	ALT + 0188
½	One half	ALT + 0189
¾	Three quarters	ALT + 0190
°	Degree	ALT + 0176

How do I give someone a copy of my RCM database?

If you want to share a few analyses from your database, see the documentation for importing and exporting analyses in the Toolkit manual.

Follow these steps to share an entire RCM database with another Toolkit user.

The person sending the analysis follows these steps

1	Close the RCM Toolkit
2	In Windows Explorer, open your local hard disc drive
3	Open the "Program Files" folder
4	Open the "RCM Toolkit 6" folder
5	Copy the files Database.rcm and Users.rcw to an external disc or into an email
6	Send the files to the recipient

The person receiving the analysis follows these steps

1	Close the RCM Toolkit
2	In Windows Explorer, open your local hard disc drive
3	Create a new folder to receive the files. Don't save them to the RCM Toolkit folder unless you intend to overwrite all your existing analyses
4	Copy the files "Database.rcm" and "Users.rcw" from the email or external disc into the new folder
5	Start the RCM Toolkit. Enter your user name and password as usual.
6	Hold down the Control key and press function key F10. The Database Administration dialog should appear
7	Click Link New Database. Locate the copy of Database.rcm that you saved in step 4
8	If the sender has told you that you need to use a specific user name and password to access the analyses, click Join Workgroup and locate the Users.rcw file that you saved in step 5. You don't need to carry out this step if the sender has not set any specific security permissions on the analyses
9	Restart the Toolkit. You should now see the contents of the new database.
10	To revert to your original RCM database, repeat the procedure from step 5, but select the file Database.rcm in "Program Files\RCM Toolkit 6"

Thanks to Howie Mendoza at Ivara, Inc. for allowing us to include some of his Toolkit FAQs.