Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

A procedure and tools that help to identify every possible failure mode of a process or product and to determine the effect of the failure modes on other sub-items and on the required function of the product or process. The FMEA is also used to rank and prioritize the possible causes of failures as well as develop and implement preventative actions, with responsible persons assigned to carry out these actions.

Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) is a disciplined approach used to identify possible failures of a product or service and then determine the frequency and impact of the failure.