ABSTRACT
The operating context is a statement clearly delineating the environment the assets are intended to operate in as well as an overall description of how and where they are going to be operated. The operating context should include specifically the type of process within which the asset will operate. Assets are sometimes subjected to extreme operating environments and locations. Primary functions describe the main tasks assets are intended to perform according to their operating context. Primary functions establish the main reasons why a physical asset was acquired by its owner. Assets must conform to some safety, environmental, and efficiency requirements while performing their primary function. They are required to have certain design characteristics offering operating flexibility for performing other than the main or primary function. Even ergonomic requirements are demanded from machines, enabling maintainers and operators to execute their tasks with the asset. These other functions assets are required to do are called secondary functions.
