Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA)

PFMEA - Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis.

Is a systemized group of activities intended to: (a) recognize and evaluate the potential failure of a product/process and its effect, (b) identify actions which could eliminate or reduce the occurance, (c) document the process.(d)Track changes to process-incorporated to avoid potential failures.

Is a living document. Is better to take actions addressed to eliminate or reduce the potential causes than implement controls in process. Is a process which before hand tells you the potential failure modes and their effects.

In safety terminology in chemical industry, PFMEA can directly be related to HAZOP Analysis. HAZOP is an acronym for Hazard and Operability. It is a process to find out the potential failures of equipment, piping, pumps and utilities and their effects on plant and human safety. This study helps in introducing extra safety features beforehand on equipment and piping to avoid the potential failures and consequent disasters. [Category=Data Quality ]

Source: iSixSigma, 10 February 2011 10:00:56, https:web.archive.org/web/20111109014246/http:www.isixsigma.com/index.php?option=com_glossary