Typically, the PLiM programme has an initial focus on a relatively small set of critical structure and components. As mentioned, for the most critical SSCs, life assessment processes are typically used.

The CA process can be applied to less critical components and commodities. Some utilities are using an on-going CA process, and using CA outcomes as an input into their plant/utility business planning processes.

PLiM assessments have typically focused on passive major components. However, a comprehensive PLiM programme will address all SCCs that represent a potential risk to the plant that warrants mitigation as evaluated in the screening process discussed above. However a large number of components subject to degradation may still require some level of assessment from the point of view of the functionality of the system. These components are best dealt with in the context of a system assessment.

The development of a comprehensive PLiM programme will also ensure that degradation mechanisms are assessed as they relate to specific ageing management strategies, executed as the preventive maintenance (PM), condition based maintenance (CBM), predictive maintenance (PdM), surveillance, inspection and testing programmes of the plant. To achieve this goal, two assessment strategies are available; namely systematic maintenance planning (SMP) assessments and condition assessments of system.

These two processes are both capable of dealing with degradation, however, CA is usually applied to components subject to longer term degradation (passive components) while the SMP assessment methodology is usually more efficient at assessing components subject to short term degradation (typically active components).