What is FMEA?
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic method of anticipating potential failures in business processes and mitigating their impact on customers. An FMEA template is used by product design or process improvement teams to determine the risk priority number (RPN) of the mechanism of failure and monitor the corrective actions delegated to key personnel.
Ultimately, FMEAs can help prevent costly manufacturing failures, improve product and service reliability, and increase customer satisfaction. This article features:
- Success factors in implementing FMEAs
- Powerful FMEA tool to streamline FMEA workflows and reporting
- Free digital FMEA templates you can download, customize and use
Click here to download Top 3 FMEA Templates
FMEA Success Factors
To achieve optimum results from FMEAs, it should be done correctly—performed on the correct parts, by the correct team, in the correct time frame, and with the correct procedure. Here are essential ingredients for success in implementing FMEAs:
Proper Identification of the Mechanism of Failure
Key information such as the functions (process step or input) should be available before conducting meetings and visible during brainstorming. The mechanism of failure (potential failure modes, effects, and causes) can be identified properly when FMEA teams account for past failures, agree upon certain assumptions, and establish ground rules. Inviting customers and suppliers is a good idea to help gather alternative viewpoints.
Accurate Computation of RPN
The RPN is used to prioritize the potential failures that require additional quality planning. It is the product of the numerical severity, occurrence, and detection ratings. Determine the RPN accurately by following the guide below:
As a rule of thumb, FMEA teams should focus their improvement efforts on potential failures at the top 20% of the highest RPNs. These high-risk failure modes should be addressed through effective and executable action plans.
Regular Monitoring of Corrective Actions
Companies usually fail to mitigate the adverse effects of failures because they neglect following up on corrective actions and their effectiveness. FMEA teams should review high-risk failure modes with the management and update FMEAs with subsequent tests and linkages to control plans.
iAuditor as your FMEA Tool
Tracking FMEA corrective actions can be difficult for product design and process improvement teams. Streamline FMEA workflows and achieve optimum results using iAuditor, the world’s most powerful inspection software. With iAuditor as your FMEA tool, you are empowering teams to:
✔ Develop and follow up on corrective actions
As soon as high-risk failure modes are identified, FMEA teams can create an action within the app and its assignee will receive a notification containing the details of the corrective action, due date, and priority. When the assignee completes or changes the status of an action, FMEA teams will also receive a notification. Easily track the implementation of corrective actions and enhance effectiveness with iAuditor!
✔ Automatically generate and share FMEA reports
The moment your team completes an FMEA, a shareable report is instantly generated and can be exported as a PDF document, CSV worksheet, etc. Submit the FMEA report to the management, quality improvement teams, and suppliers with the tap of a finger!
✔ Perform and update FMEAs anywhere, anytime
Conduct FMEA meetings more efficiently with your mobile device. FMEA teams can access ongoing FMEAs on any iOS, Android, or Windows smartphone or tablet. View or edit completed FMEA templates for future FMEAs. All data is automatically saved and stored in the cloud!
