Meaning of Failure Mode Effect Analysis
Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) is defined as an efficient and practical technique used in assessing different features of a given system. Moreover, the assessment is majorly done to establish and eliminate or reduce possible prevailing tragedies and dangerous failures within the system.
Through design correction, the existing tragedies and dangerous failures can be eliminated within the shortest time possible. The analysis is able to highlight consequences of detected failures hence it becomes important during the establishment of legal actions (Smith par. 1). The assessment starts with the essential parts of the system to establish their result into the system malfunction. After recognizing the possible malfunctions, they are categorized and allocated a Risk Priority Number (RPN). Finally, a viable corrective action is proposed.
When to use Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
Failure Mode and Effect Analysis is used during the creation or redesigning of a particular product or service. It can also be applied when a certain procedure is being established or when development goals are designed for an already operational process or existing goods and services. In addition, it can also be implemented when the available procedures, goods, or services are being applied in different ways. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis is used when evaluating various malfunctions of an existing process, goods, or services.
How FMEA is used
The first step is to determine the necessary requirements for the system to execute its duty. This is followed by the provision of all the hypotheses and rules required during the actual analysis (Stephans and Joe 91). The third stage does not only include the design of the system’s block diagram, but also establishment of possible malfunction modes.
For instance, possible system failures like breakages and leakages can be identified early enough and amicable solutions provided. The major cause of each malfunction mode and their impact on the system is then established. After recognizing all possible malfunctions, they are assigned a severity and occurrence ranking. Then, critical evaluation is conducted on each of the potential malfunction modes. The last step in FMEA is the assessment and suggestion of any viable corrective measures and perfections to the design.
Advantages and disadvantages of FMEA
Failure Mode and Effect Analysis has a number of advantages. The technology does not only eradicate possible problems that might arise in a process, but also helps in establishing the areas with higher risks (Loiselle par. 1).
Additionally, it creates a stage for exchanging information, which hence improves product awareness within core teams. This technique is helpful in obtaining relevant historical information about various changes in the process. It also assists in the provision of accurate technical requirements during the construction of workstations.
In addition, FMEA helps in the provision of corrective measures during sessions. Moreover, the technology is important because it takes part in identification and management of various malfunctions. Conversely, a malfunction must occur in the system if a single failure mode is omitted. Products made during this process are not exactly similar. The other disadvantage is that a number of the detection controls are of low quality.
Examples of FMEA
A viable example of FMEA is where a single malfunction of the hardware item leads to death or loss of property. Another example that could be considered is where the system under evaluation has a redundancy hence causing death or loss of mission.
Works Cited
Loiselle, Joshua. Improving the Efficiency of FMEAs. 2013. Web.
Smith, Deborah. FMEA: Preventing a Failure Before Any Harm Is Done. 2010. Web.
Stephans, Richard, and J. Stephenson. System Safety for the 21st Century: The Updated and Revised Edition of System Safety 2000, Hoboken: Wiley-Interscience, 2004. Print.