In RCM, what does 'root cause analysis' aim to identify?

Root cause analysis in Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) is focused on identifying the primary factors that lead to failures in equipment. This process is essential for understanding why equipment fails, which allows organizations to implement more effective maintenance strategies and prevent future failures.

By identifying the root causes of failures, organizations can develop targeted interventions that address these fundamental issues rather than just treating the symptoms. This approach enhances the reliability and performance of the equipment, ultimately leading to reduced downtime and maintenance costs over time.

The other options, while relevant to different aspects of maintenance and operations, do not capture the primary aim of root cause analysis. For example, focusing on the least expensive maintenance methods relates more to cost management rather than understanding failures. Similarly, selecting the best suppliers for maintenance parts or analyzing historical performance data are important for overall maintenance planning and decision-making but do not directly address the identification of failure causes.