A decision support system for applying failure mode and effects analysis

This study describes an alternative way of applying failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to a wide variety of problems. It presents a methodology based on a decision system supported by qualitative rules which provides a ranking of the risks of potential causes of production system failures. By providing an illustrative example, it highlights the advantages of this flexible system over the traditional FMEA model. Finally, a fuzzy decision model is proposed, which improves the initial decision system by introducing the element of uncertainty.