In a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), which factors are typically measured?

In Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), the primary factors measured are severity, occurrence, and detection. These factors are crucial for evaluating the potential failures in a process and understanding their implications.

Severity refers to the seriousness of the effect of a failure. It assesses how significant the consequences would be if the failure occurs. For instance, a high-severity rating is given to a failure that could lead to injury or significant damage.

Occurrence estimates how frequently a particular failure is likely to happen. This allows teams to prioritize which potential failures require more immediate attention based on their likelihood of occurrence.

Detection is about how likely it is that the failure would be detected before it leads to the consequences. A low detection rating indicates that a failure could go unnoticed for a long period, increasing the risk associated with it.

By focusing on these three factors, teams can prioritize their efforts to improve processes, reduce risks, and enhance overall product quality. This systematic approach helps organizations mitigate potential failures effectively.