Define 'failure effects' in the context of RCM.

'Failure effects' refers specifically to the consequences that result from a failure mode impacting a system's performance. This concept is central to Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) as it helps in understanding how and why certain failures occur and what their implications are for the overall operation. By analyzing the failure effects, maintenance professionals can prioritize actions to mitigate these issues effectively and ensure that the system continues to function as intended.

In RCM, identifying the failure effects allows for a deeper insight into the severity and impact of various failure modes, enabling better decision-making regarding maintenance strategies. This understanding ultimately supports optimizing reliability, safety, and efficiency within the system, as well as guiding resource allocation and maintenance planning.

While the other choices touch on aspects of maintenance and failure analysis, they do not specifically define the term 'failure effects'. Therefore, the emphasis on the direct impact of a failure mode on the system performance clearly distinguishes the correct answer from the others.