In case limited resources were available, an alternative approach can be adopted after enough operation records have been acquired. The process, as described below, is based on an expert panel approach and may make use of industry knowledge base or maintenance templates (if available). Close collaboration of various departments within the power plant is essential to the success of this method. Following are the main steps:

(1) Identify key equipment and components in critical systems (contributors to systems functional failures) and create a database

(2) Group key components by type and technical characteristics and identify applicable preventive maintenance tasks, using manufacturer recommendations and current station practice.

(3) For each type of equipment, assemble a panel of engineering, maintenance and operation experts to carry out a comprehensive and systematic review of current preventive maintenance comparing it to manufacturer, industry knowledge base and determine the most appropriate maintenance surveillance and inspection tasks and their frequency.

(4) Collect and summarize the expert panel recommendations for preventive maintenance programme enhancement (new tasks, revised and/or proposed for cancellation) and issue final reports (customized preventive maintenance templates for each type of equipment and component)

(5) Review existing maintenance work orders and procedures accordingly.