Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Used to systematically identify key modes of process or product failure, analyse risks and prioritise improvement efforts. Also termed Effects Analysis it is a methodology for analysing potential reliability problems early on in the development cycle where it is easier to take actions to overcome these issues, thereby enhancing reliability through design. Effects Analysis is used to identify potential failure modes, determine their effect on the product, and identify actions to eliminate or at least reduce the possibilities of failures. While anticipating every failure mode is not possible, a Lean Six Sigma Project team would use the principle to brainstorm an extensive a list of potential failure modes as possible.

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