Introduction
Failure made and effect analysis (FMEA) is a disciplined procedure that
recognizes and evaluates the potential and actual effects of failure of a product or
a process and identifies actions that reduce the chance of a potential failure
occurring (Basem El-Haik, David M. Roy. Service Design for Six Sigma: A Road
Map for Excellence. 2003)
FMEA – Qualitative analysis
FMEA is also used for qualitative analysis which helps its users to identify possible
diversions of a product or a process from its ideal path. Once all the possible
causes and severity of effects of failure are identified, it makes it easier for the
manufacturers to implement preventive measures and mitigate failure
(Sheng-Hsien (Gary) Teng, Shin-Yann (Michael) Ho, (1996) “Failure mode and
effects analysis: An integrated approach for product design and process control”,
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 13 Iss: 5, pp.8 –
26).
FMEA is implemented in two ways- design and process. The Design FMEA is
used to examine products for their design deficiencies while the Process FMEA is
used to analyze manufacturing and assembly processes. Both are carried out at
three levels- system, sub-system and components (Swapnil B. Ambekar, Ajinkya
Edlabadkar, Vivek Shrouty. “A Review: Implementation of Failure Mode and Effect
