Which aspect does a FMEA focus on during the evaluation of a system?

Which aspect does a FMEA focus on during the evaluation of a system?

• A. The operational cost of the system
• B. The potential failure modes and their implications
• C. The training needs of the user base
• D. The aesthetic design of the system

Answer: (B)

A Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) primarily focuses on identifying potential failure modes within a system and evaluating their consequences on system performance. This proactive quality management technique assesses each identified failure mode based on criteria such as severity, occurrence, and detection, with the goal of understanding how failures could impact the overall operation of the system. By prioritizing these failure modes, FMEA helps in determining where to focus efforts on mitigating risks, enhancing reliability, and ultimately improving safety and effectiveness.

By contrast, while the operational cost, training needs, and aesthetic design may be relevant factors in the broader context of a system's life cycle and user experience, they are not the central focus of an FMEA. The methodology is specifically tailored to analyze and mitigate risks related to system failures, making option B the most appropriate choice.