Failure Mode, Effect and Criticality Analysis

A Failure Mode, Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is now an established technique for assessing the design and reliability of a system but the mechanics of the method are less well defined. This paper identifies the advantages to be gained from, and the requirements of, such an analysis. This is followed by a description of a method which has been developed to help realise the potential of an FMECA and which has been successfully applied to numerous projects. Finally it is shown how a computer is used to advantage when this type of analysis is performed.