Failure modes are the ways in which a process can fail. Effects are the ways that these failures can lead to waste, defects or harmful outcomes for the customer. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis is designed to identify, prioritize and limit these failure modes.
There are several types of FMEA and the most common of them are Design FMEA and Process FMEA. Design FMEA, is applicable to product design, particularly during its early stage or end-stage. The goal of Design FMEA is to uncover potential failures with the design of the product that could impact health & safety and the environment, among others.
Process FMEA pertains to the uncovering of risks within new or existing processes. Process FMEA is done before a new process is implemented or, in the case of existing processes, is conducted before changes made to old processes take effect. Both scenarios for doing Process FMEA intend to find any risks that could negatively impact the product, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
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