Failure mode and effects analysis

Failure mode and effects analysis (also known by its acronym, FMEA; frequently written as failure modes and effects analysis with modes in plural; hereinafter, FMEA) is a methodical approach to risk analysis that calculates the combined impact of the probability of a particular failure, the effects of that failure, and the probability that the failure can be detected and corrected, thereby establishing a priority ranking for designing in failure prevention countermeasures.

Definitions

According to Juran's Quality Handbook by Defeo (7th edition),

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). A methodical approach to risk analysis that calculates the combined impact of the probability of a particular failure, the effects of that failure, and the probability that the failure can be detected and corrected, thereby establishing a priority ranking for designing in failure prevention countermeasures.

According to Managing Quality by Foster (6th edition),

Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). Method for systematically considering each component of a system by identifying, analyzing, and documenting the possible failure modes within a system and the effects of each failure on the system.