RAMgen Methodology
Standardized RAM modeling framework for enterprise-wide deployment
What Is RAMgen?
RAMgen is a standardized methodology for Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability modeling—developed for a Latin American utility company to establish enterprise-wide capability for probabilistic asset performance forecasting.
The Challenge
A Latin American utility company operates hundreds of hydropower assets across multiple regions. Each facility had different reliability modeling approaches—inconsistent methods, incompatible data structures, and no standardized way to aggregate risk across the portfolio. This fragmentation made enterprise-level decision-making nearly impossible.
The utility needed a methodology that would enable consistent RAM modeling across diverse assets while building internal capability to maintain and evolve models as operational reality changed.
RAMgen Framework
Standardized Data Structure
Common taxonomy for failure modes, maintenance activities, operational states, and performance metrics across all assets
Modeling Templates
Pre-built reliability models for common equipment types (turbines, generators, transformers, switchgear) that can be adapted to site-specific conditions
Failure Data Processing
Methods for converting raw maintenance records into reliability parameters (Weibull shape/scale, MTBF, MTTR) with uncertainty quantification
Scenario Analysis Protocols
Structured approaches for exploring "what if" questions (inspection frequency changes, component upgrades, operational adjustments)
Capability Transfer Program
Training curriculum and certification process to build internal RAM modeling competence across engineering teams
Enterprise-Wide Implementation
Project Scope
A major utility company initiative established RAM modeling capability across their hydropower portfolio. Using RAMgen methodology, Knar Global:
- Developed standardized models for major hydropower equipment types
- Trained internal teams on reliability data analysis and model construction
- Built software tools for model management and scenario analysis
- Established governance processes for model updates and quality control
- Certified first cohort of reliability engineers in RAM modeling methods
Outcome
The utility now operates RAM models for 50+ hydropower facilities using consistent methods—enabling portfolio-level risk aggregation, maintenance budget optimization, and strategic capital planning based on probabilistic performance forecasting. The capability is maintained entirely by internal teams, with Knar providing periodic advisory support.
Key Principles
Consistency Without Rigidity
Standardized methods that can be adapted to site-specific realities without breaking comparability
Data-Driven Uncertainty
Explicitly quantify confidence intervals based on data quality and sample sizes—no false precision
Capability, Not Dependency
Transfer methodology to internal teams through structured training and certification
Evolutionary Architecture
Models are designed to be updated as new data emerges and operational practices evolve
When to Use RAMgen
RAMgen is appropriate when:
- →Operating multiple similar assets that need consistent reliability modeling
- →Need enterprise-level risk aggregation across asset portfolio
- →Want to build internal RAM modeling capability, not consultant dependency
- →Maintenance and capital planning decisions require probabilistic performance forecasting