RCM Exchange

Guide to Success

These are the five essential elements of an effective RCM program.

1. Organization and Structure

Learn how an RCM program can help your organization achieve greater efficiency, savings, and productivity. The first step is to gain a basic understanding of the RCM concept. Because all facilities are unique, the RCM will need to develop, organize, and maintain a customized program.

2. Support and Commitment

An RCM program must be built on a solid foundation of top-level management support. To convince staff of the benefits of an RCM program, present a concise and compelling proposal that informs and inspires them. 

Experienced RCMs are generally eager to help, and can provide insights and examples that lend credibility to your presentation. To get in touch with practicing RCMs, call the WSU Energy Program at 360-956-2096.

3. Policy and Mission Statements

Start your RCM strategy with the following elements:

  • A mission statement
  • Goals
  • A statement of scope
  • Implementation strategy
  • Benchmarks for success  

4. Implementation Strategy

Steps you can take to build a successful program include:

  1. Take a serious look at your facilities and the potential for efficiency improvements - Facility assessment
  2. Gather basic information about your facility's utility and resource expenditures - Sample assessment report
  3. Estimate potential efficiency opportunities, savings, and other benefits - Resource accounting
  4. Discuss your ideas and solicit input from inside and outside your organization - RCM memo to staff
  5. Build an effective RCM program team - Tips for communicating

5. Sustaining/Retaining the RCM Program

You can use several techniques to sustain and institutionalize the RCM program, including:

  1. Set up an annual RCM calendar – monthly activities that encourage all levels of your organization to work together following specific guidelines. The RCM Activities Calendar is one example; if you are not a school district RCM, some items may not apply.
  2. Work with your RCM teams to develop annual plans for each area of the organization; this may not occur until the second or third year of your RCM program.
  3. Participate in the planning process for new facilities or major remodels, and encourage building commissioning.