An FMEA breaks a system or process into understandable elements, records potential failure modes and causes, and examines local and higher-level effects.
Its value depends on the quality of the system boundary, operating context, team knowledge, and follow-through—not the number of rows in a worksheet.
Key points
Define the system and function clearly
Describe specific failure modes and causes
Trace local and system effects
Use the analysis to improve controls and priorities
