RPN Online Calculator

Enter Severity (S), Occurrence (O), and Detection (D) ratings to automatically calculate the Risk Priority Number (RPN) and receive a risk level recommendation.

RPN Value
Enter scores to calculate

FMEA Form Template Fields

The new AIAG-VDA FMEA form includes the following key fields:

Step Field Description
Structure Analysis Higher-Level Element The system/subsystem containing the focus element
Focus Element / Lower-Level Element Current analysis subject and its sub-components
Function Analysis Higher-Level Function System-level function description
Focus Element Function / Lower-Level Requirement Specific function and quantifiable performance requirements
Failure Analysis Failure Effect (FE) Impact on higher system / end user
Failure Mode (FM) How the focus element function fails
Failure Cause (FC) Root cause leading to the failure mode
Risk Analysis Current Prevention Control (PC) Measures to prevent the cause from occurring
Current Detection Control (DC) Means to detect the failure
Severity (S) 1-10 rating of effect severity
Occurrence (O) / Detection (D) 1-10 ratings of likelihood and detection ability
Action Priority (AP) H/M/L based on S-O-D combination lookup
Optimization Improvement Action Specific risk reduction action
Responsible Person / Target Date Owner and deadline for action execution
Post-Improvement Rating and AP Re-assessed risk level after implementation

FMEA Supporting Tools

PF

Process Flow Diagram

Foundation input for PFMEA; describes the sequence, inputs, and outputs of each operation.

BD

Boundary Diagram

Supporting tool for DFMEA; clarifies physical and functional boundaries inside and outside the analysis scope.

IM

Interface Matrix

Identifies interaction interfaces between components (energy, material, information flow) for interface failure analysis.

FD

Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa)

Categorizes failure causes by 5M1E to ensure comprehensive cause analysis.

FT

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)

Top-down analysis of failure logic paths, complementing FMEA bottom-up analysis.

PD

P-Diagram (Parameter Diagram)

Identifies relationships between input signals, noise factors, control factors, and output responses.

FMEA Glossary

Term Abbreviation Definition
Failure Mode FM The manner in which a product or process fails to meet intended function or requirements
Failure Effect FE The consequence of a failure mode on the system, customer, or end user
Failure Cause FC The root cause that leads to the occurrence of a failure mode
Severity S Rating (1-10) of the seriousness of the failure effect
Occurrence O Rating (1-10) of the likelihood of the failure cause occurring
Detection D Rating (1-10) of the ability of current controls to detect the failure
Risk Priority Number RPN Product of S x O x D, used for risk ranking
Action Priority AP Risk level (H/M/L) determined by S-O-D combination
Prevention Control PC Measures that prevent the failure cause from occurring or reduce its frequency
Detection Control DC Means to discover the failure before product delivery
Special Characteristics SC Product/process characteristics affecting safety or regulatory compliance
Focus Element FE The product component or process step currently being analyzed

FMEA Implementation Checklist

Pre-Start Checklist

  • Is the FMEA scope and boundary clearly defined?
  • Has the cross-functional team been assembled?
  • Have necessary input documents been collected (drawings, specs, flow charts)?
  • Have historical FMEAs and lessons learned been reviewed?
  • Has the project plan and timeline been established?

Post-Completion Checklist

  • Do all AP=H items have improvement actions?
  • Do improvement actions have clear owners and target dates?
  • Have special characteristics been identified and flagged?
  • Have FMEA results been transferred to the Control Plan?
  • Has the FMEA document been reviewed and approved?
  • Has a periodic review mechanism been established?

Recommended Learning Resources

Standards and Publications

  • AIAG-VDA FMEA Handbook, 1st Edition (2019)
  • IATF 16949:2016 Quality Management System
  • AIAG APQP and Control Plan Reference Manual
  • SAE J1739 - FMEA Recommended Practice
  • IEC 60812 - FMEA/FMECA Procedures

Professional Organizations

  • AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group)
  • VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie)
  • ASQ (American Society for Quality)
  • SAE International
  • IATF (International Automotive Task Force)