The FMEA Overreach Syndrome

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the role of FMEA in product and process development, and how to supplement or replace FMEA with other tools, when appropriate.

Key Points

Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the mistake of expanding the role of FMEA too far (overreach). Other tools sometimes do a better job.

Topics include:

• FMEA is not the right tool to predict reliability
• FMEA is a prioritization tool, not a failure rate calculator
• FMEA can be supplemented with Fault Tree Analysis, when events occur in tandem
• FMEA does not need to be done at all levels of the system hierarchy
• Massive FMEAs that are done at all levels of the system hierarchy diminish the value of FMEA
• Preliminary Risk Assessment can be used to identify which FMEAs are needed
• Beware of FMEA scope creep
• Each of the reliability tools have their place, and should only be used when they are needed

SOR 462 The FMEA Overreach SyndromeCarl S. Carlson

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Show Notes

FMEA resources include:

“Inside FMEA” articles on AccendoReliability.com

Book: Effective FMEAs, published by John Wiley & Sons