To define a new Failure Mode, select the appropriate options from the drop-downs for Function and Functional Failure. Either select a Failure Mode from the existing data or add a new one. If adding a new Failure Mode, also provide a Failure Mode Description.
Note: When selecting a Failure Mode from the existing basic data, the Failure Mode Description field cannot be edited.
Next, select the Symptom and Failing Component from the respective drop-downs. The Failing Component options are filtered based on the Item Class and Object Type. Components connected to a specific Item Class and Object Type, as well as those not linked to a particular Object Type, appear in the drop-down. Complete the process by specifying the Effects of the failure.
The MTBF field (Mean Time Between Failures) is calculated based on the failure mode. This makes it possible to assign different MTBF values depending on the specific failure mode, instead of using the same value for all.
The Max RPN field displays the highest Risk Priority Number (RPN) across different risk categories for each Failure Mode, as defined based on the criticality selection made for that failure mode across different risk categories. This allows for the comparison of RPN values between various Failure Modes, helping to identify the most critical modes that require immediate action.
The Failure Mode details for a crane, for example, can be movement failure of trolley motor. Choose Movement of a load by a crane for the Function and Crane fails to move at the required speed for the Functional Failure. Select Reduced trolley speed from the drop-down field for Failure Mode and The trolley moves the load horizontally at a reduced speed of 1 meter per second instead of the specified 2 meters per second at 30 meters will be fetched as Failure Mode Description. From the drop-down, select Trolley motor as the Failing Component. Audible differences in motor operation, such as unusual noises or changes in pitch can be listed as the Symptom, with Potential increased wear on the motor and mechanical components due to prolonged operation under load as the Effect.
When a functional failure is selected under the Failure Modes tab, the Link Decisions and Actions command becomes available, allowing an existing decision and action record to be connected to multiple failure modes that share the same maintenance strategy. Instead of creating duplicate entries for each failure mode, for example, when several modes require the same inspection, lubrication, or alignment task the command links these modes to a single decision and action record. The Linked Decisions and Actions tab, located under the Failure Modes tab on the Prepare FMECA page, provides visibility into all decisions linked from other failure modes. It shows which functions, functional failures, or failure modes are associated with the same decision and action, enabling quick assessment of the broader impact of a single work task or PM action across multiple failure modes. By linking instead of recreating identical entries, duplication of records is avoided while maintaining clear visibility of all related modes being addressed through the same decision and action.
It is possible to modify or delete the added Failure Mode. Further detailing of the Failure Mode can be done by adding a Failure Mode Description and Effects.
Note: A new Failure Mode cannot be defined if it already exists under the same FMECA Function and Functional Failure.
As a result of this activity, a new Failure Mode is created.