Which analysis identifies potential areas of failure in a manufacturing process?

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a structured approach used to identify and prioritize potential failures in a manufacturing process and their effects. The primary objective of FMEA is to recognize where and how a process might fail and to assess the relative impact of different failures. This analysis involves evaluating potential failure modes, understanding their causes, and determining the effects these failures could have on the manufacturing process or product quality.

By systematically reviewing each component and operation within a process, FMEA helps teams pinpoint critical areas that may require improvements or preventive measures. This proactive approach enables organizations to implement design and process changes that enhance reliability and quality, mitigating any risks associated with potential failures.

In contrast, other analyses mentioned may focus on different aspects; for example, Process Flow Analysis examines the sequence of operations, Root Cause Analysis targets the underlying reasons behind existing problems, and Risk Assessment Analysis evaluates overall risks rather than specifically identifying failure points within a process. This makes FMEA particularly valuable for comprehensively understanding potential areas of failure before they arise.