Efficient Techniques for Calculating Severity in FMEA- A Comprehensive Guide

How to Calculate Severity in FMEA

In the realm of risk management, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic approach used to identify potential failure modes, assess their severity, occurrence, and detection, and prioritize them for further action. One of the key components of FMEA is calculating the severity of each failure mode. This article will delve into the process of how to calculate severity in FMEA, providing a comprehensive guide for professionals in various industries.

Understanding Severity in FMEA

Severity in FMEA refers to the impact or consequence of a failure mode on the system or product. It is a qualitative measure that helps in prioritizing the failure modes based on their potential impact. The severity is usually rated on a scale, such as 1 to 10, where a higher number indicates a more severe impact.

Steps to Calculate Severity in FMEA

1. Identify the Failure Mode: The first step in calculating severity is to clearly identify the failure mode. This involves understanding the potential ways in which the system or product may fail.

2. Analyze the Impact: Once the failure mode is identified, analyze the impact it would have on the system or product. Consider the following factors:
– Safety: Assess the risk to human safety or the environment.
– Reliability: Evaluate the reliability of the system or product.
– Performance: Determine the impact on the performance of the system or product.
– Cost: Consider the cost implications of the failure mode.

3. Assign a Severity Rating: Based on the analysis, assign a severity rating to the failure mode. This rating should reflect the potential impact of the failure mode on the system or product. Use a predefined scale, such as 1 to 10, where 1 represents a minimal impact and 10 represents a catastrophic impact.

4. Consider Dependencies: In some cases, the severity of a failure mode may be influenced by other factors, such as the presence of redundant systems or safety features. Consider these dependencies when assigning the severity rating.

5. Review and Validate: After assigning the severity rating, review and validate the rating with subject matter experts. This ensures that the rating accurately reflects the potential impact of the failure mode.

Tools and Techniques for Calculating Severity

Several tools and techniques can be used to calculate severity in FMEA, including:

– Checklists: Use checklists to identify potential failure modes and their impact on the system or product.
– Brainstorming: Engage in brainstorming sessions with a cross-functional team to identify failure modes and their potential impact.
– Risk matrices: Utilize risk matrices to assess the severity, occurrence, and detection of failure modes.
– Expert judgment: Rely on the expertise of subject matter experts to assign severity ratings.

Conclusion

Calculating severity in FMEA is a crucial step in identifying and prioritizing potential failure modes. By following the steps outlined in this article, professionals can ensure that they accurately assess the potential impact of failure modes on their systems or products. Remember to involve subject matter experts and use a combination of tools and techniques to achieve a comprehensive and accurate severity assessment.