What are 'system boundaries' in RCM analysis?

In RCM analysis, 'system boundaries' refer to the limits that define what is included and excluded in the analysis. Establishing these boundaries is crucial because it helps to delineate the scope of the study, ensuring that all relevant components, processes, and interactions within the specified system are considered while identifying failure modes and establishing maintenance strategies. By clearly defining what falls within the system boundaries, analysts can focus their efforts on the most pertinent elements, leading to more effective and efficient reliability-centered maintenance processes.

The other options relate to aspects of maintenance and operations but do not capture the precise definition of system boundaries. The physical location of the system might influence factors considered during analysis but does not define the scope itself. Financial constraints and the timeline for the analysis process could impact decisions made during RCM but do not contribute to understanding what encompasses the system boundaries.