The Dynamic P-F Curve is not unlike the traditional curve; however, the addition of current information or online data inputs allow the curve to become “live” or “dynamic” through the use of AI and its embedded algorithms, thereby making adjustments based on future Dynamic P-F Curve forecasts.
Today, I’d like to focus on the two points on the curve, the PE and FE points on the solid grey line. These are our traditional points, well known to the reliability community. These are our estimates of Potential Failure and Functional Failure, on the curve, as they relate to an item’s resistance to failure (Y axis) against age (X axis). Their locations are based on well-established industry best practices as well as our own empirical data. PE is selected as the point on the curve at which “failure is imminent”. Merriam-Webster defines IMMINENT as “ready to take place” or “happening soon”. In both definitions, “imminent” is a judgement call of the reliability engineer based on the historical data and an understanding of current operating conditions that the item is exposed to; because of this, PE is entirely malleable in its position on the P-F curve and up to the best judgment of the RE.
Now armed with this understanding, let’s ask the question “Why does the P-F curve even exist?”. The primary purpose of the curve is to establish the criteria by which an item will be taken out of service and scheduled for maintenance prior to functional failure. To ensure adequate time for Planning and Scheduling, the P-F Interval must be of sufficient time. The Dynamic P-F Curve helps to accomplish this by measuring the slope of the Current Asset Curve vs. the Historical Baseline Curve; based on this slope, the algorithm calculates a new PF in real-time and displays the Algorithm Forecasted Curve. By moving PF up the curve, we give Maintenance the time required for an adequate response prior to Functional Failure of the item.
Our next post will cover the “Probable Range of PF- FF”. Thanks for reading; your comments are welcomed as we explore this new and exciting use of the Dynamic P-F Curve.