Introduction

Hello, The Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is one of the quality core tool in the industry. It will help us to identify the potential risk involved with the Product design and process. Now the FMEA standard is revised from AIAG 4^th edition FMEA to New AIAG-VDA 1^st edition. There are many differences in both the standards. The one of major difference we will see now is risk prioritization i.e., Action Priority in FMEA.

Let’s recap first that how we are going to do the FMEA. We are identifying the failure modes their causes and effects. Then we are giving the rating based on criteria such as severity(S), Occurrence(O) & detection(D). Then the next step is to prioritize the risk based on the combination of S, O & D.

What are the limitation of RPN risk analysis

There are some limitations of the old methods of RPN analysis. Because in the RPN analysis

S x O x D = RPN and here for all the ratings are equally considered during prioritization. And the RPN is not only the criteria to prioritize the risk. Therefore, some other companies have their own criteria such as SxO & OxD and many other combinations they followed.

Concept of Action Priority in AIAG-VDA FMEA

Now the organization should follow the single system to prioritize the risk and that is called the Action Priority(AP). In this concept AIAG-VDA make around 1000 combinations such as S and O, S and D, O and D.

And identify those combinations with simple visual letter such as L(Low), M(Medium), H(High).

You can refer the below chart which show the combination i.e., AP table.

Explain in detail the AP

AP high(H)

The High (H) priority items need to review by management and team to identify the recommended action either to reduce the Occurrence (O) and/or Detection(D). Actions will help us to reduced the risk from High to medium/low. If there is no any action suitable to reduce the risk, then justification is require and management can justify the current controls are enough for respective failure and/or cause.

AP medium (M)

The Medium (M) priority items need to review by management and team to identify the recommended action either to reduce the Occurrence (O) and/or Detection(D). If there is no any action suitable to reduce the risk, then justification is require and management can justify the current controls are enough for respective failure and/or cause.

AP low (L)

The Low(L) priority items can review by team to improve the current detection and prevention control.

As per the standard there is a note

“Note: It may be helpful to include a statement such as ‘No further action is needed’ in the Remarks field as appropriate.” – AIAG-VDA Handbook