What is a “failure mode and effects analysis” (FMEA) primarily used for?

A “failure mode and effects analysis” (FMEA) is primarily used to evaluate processes for potential failures. This systematic approach focuses on identifying and assessing the risks associated with different failure modes in a system or process. By analyzing how a failure could occur, the potential effects of those failures, and their severity and likelihood, organizations can prioritize risk and implement corrective actions to mitigate or eliminate those risks before they impact product quality or operational efficiency.

The primary goal of FMEA is to improve reliability and safety by preemptively addressing vulnerabilities in processes or products. This method is widely used in manufacturing and quality control processes to enhance the overall quality and performance of products and services.

Other options do not align with the primary focus of FMEA. Marketing plans revolve around strategies for promoting and selling products and services, customer feedback analysis pertains to evaluating customer satisfaction and service improvement, and measuring financial performance is related to financial metrics rather than the identification or analysis of potential failure risks within a process.