Failure Modes and Effect Analysis

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a functionality that is used to identify and resolve potential problems in a structure within the manufacturing process.

The FMEA uses occurrence and detection probabilities in conjunction with a severity rating to create a risk priority number (RPN). A ranking of RPN is created to determine corrective action plans. Failure mode with highest RPN is considered first for improvement.

The types of FMEA are:

• System FMEA: When the item is the top level system.
• Design FMEA: When the item is a subsystem or a component.
• Process FMEA: When the item relates to a manufacturing process.