What is the purpose of a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)?

The purpose of a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is to systematically identify potential failure modes in a process or product, assess their impact, and prioritize them based on the severity of their effects on overall performance. By identifying these potential failure modes, teams can develop strategies to mitigate risks and improve reliability and quality, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.

FMEA focuses on understanding how and why these failures might occur, examining their consequences, and evaluating the likelihood of their occurrence. This structured approach allows organizations to target their improvement efforts effectively, reducing the likelihood of failures and promoting proactive solutions rather than reactive measures.

This makes it clear that the primary objective of FMEA is not only recognition of potential problems but also the analysis of their effects on the processes involved, aligning directly with the idea of enhancing process performance. Thus, the correct answer reflects the comprehensive nature of FMEA in risk management and quality assurance.