Risk Identification
Failure Mode and Effect Analysis: This technique
was developed in the late 1950s to study problems
that might arise from military system or process mal-
functions. It is a simple to use yet powerful way to
identify risk (uncertainty). The technique starts with a
cross-functional group of individuals — it is important
that you have the right people participating. While
data is useful in quantification of failure modes, it
can be collected before or after the FMEA workout.
All the information collected is housed in a matrix
(see Example 1), and the facilitator walks the team
through the topics. We have made significant prog-
ress in identifying risks just through the dialogue that
occurs when following this technique.
3 0 0 B R I C K S T O N E S Q U A R E • S U I T E 2 0 1 • A N D O V E R , M A 0 1 8 1 0 | P H O N E : 9 7 8 . 6 4 9 . 8 2 0 0 | W W W . C O R P E D G R O U P . C O M
EXA MP LE 1
Process Step or
System Risk
Failure
Mode
Failure
Effects
SEV Causes OCC DET RPN
Equipment Failure 9 4 2 72
Use of outmoded tests 9 8 8 576
