FAILURE MODE, EFFECTS & CRITICALITY ANALYSIS (FMECA)

A Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is an FMEA augmented by CA (Criticality Analysis) where CA is defined as a procedure by which each potential failure mode is ranked according to the combined influence of severity and probability of occurrence.

A true CA is quantitatively-based and adds 7 additional columns to the FMEA.

Occasionally a qualitatively-based technique is employed using Risk Priority Numbers (RPNs).  In our travels, we have seen other qualitative approaches which are very poor.

​Unfortunately, we continue to see misuse of FMECA.