Steps to Conduct a DFMEA

1.Review the design —Use a blueprint or schematic of the design/product to
identify each component and interface.

2.Brainstorm potential failure modes—Review existing documentation and
data for clues.

3.List potential effects of failure—There may be more than one for each
failure.

4.Assign Severity rankings—Based on the severity of the consequences of
failure.

5.Assign Occurrence rankings—Based on how frequently the cause of the
failure is likely to occur.

6.Assign Detection rankings—Based on the chances the failure will be
detected prior to the customer finding it.

7.Calculate the RPN—Severity x Occurrence x Detection.

8.Develop the action plan—Define who will do what by when.

9.Take action—Implement the improvements identified by your DFMEA team.

10.Calculate the resulting RPN—Re-evaluate each of the potential failures once
improvements have been made and determine their impact on the RPNs.