Statistics for Six Sigma Made Easy! Revised and Expanded Second Edition, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 4Simplified FMEA

What we will learn in this chapter is that on any project, there can be collateral damage to areas outside the project. A simplified failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) will reduce the likelihood of such damage. A simplified FMEA will generate savings largely through cost avoidance, and it is usually used in the Define or Improve step of the DMAIC process.

As was true for simplified QFDs, as presented in the prior chapter, the simplified FMEA will be less complex than the FMEA taught in most Six Sigma classes. A brief discussion of the traditional FMEA and the reasons for the simplification comes later in the chapter.

Note that the format for the simplified FMEA is very similar to that used for the simplified QFD. ...