FMEA is a systematic approach to identify and analyse potential failures in a system or process. It aims to prevent problems before they occur.
Key Aspects:
1. Identifies possible failure modes
2. Assesses potential effects of failures
3. Determines causes of failures
4. Evaluate current controls
5. Prioritise risks
Steps:
1. Define the system or process
2. Identify potential failure modes
3. List the potential effects of each failure
4. Assign severity ratings
5. Identify potential causes
6. Assign occurrence ratings
7. Evaluate current controls
8. Assign detection ratings
9. Calculate Risk Priority Numbers (RPN)
10. Develop action plans
Benefits:
1. Improves product reliability
2. Reduces potential safety issues
3. Enhances quality control
4. Prioritises improvement efforts
5. Provides documentation for future reference
FMEA is widely used in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare and aerospace.