--- title: What is PFMEA? description: Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA) is used by manufacturers to detect potential failures that are from the process of producing a part... image: https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/pfmea%20blog-01.png --- - [Linkedin](https://linkedin.com/company/rgbsi) - [Facebook](http://facebook.com/rgbsi) - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/rgbsi) - [Careers](https://www.rgbsi.com/careers/) - [Job Search](https://www2.jobdiva.com/portal/?a=u4jdnwo9bfrrb4880orajasydzcctc0430ep5ji4kdp5v8qtsbx70nx09mmm07dy&compid=0#/) - [Get Talent](https://www.rgbsi.com/workforce-management/get-talent/) - [Blog](https://blog.rgbsi.com) - [Contact Us](https://www.rgbsi.com/contact-us/) [![RGBSI](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/RGBSI_July2018/Images/Logo-inverse-RGB-340-x-156-px-websitepng-01-01-300x138.png) ![RGBSI](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/RGBSI_July2018/Images/RGBSI-Logo-RGB-340-x-156-px-websitepng-01-300x138.png)](https://www.rgbsi.com/) Search - [About Us](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Leadership Team](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#meetourleadershipteam) - [Our Story](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#ourstory) - [Certifications](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#certifications) - [Awards & Recognition](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#awardsandrecognition) - [Our Brands](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#ourbrands) - [Locations](https://www.rgbsi.com/locations/) - [Case Studies](https://www.rgbsi.com/case-studies/) - [Products](https://www.rgbsi.com/products/) - [Aerospace & Defense](https://www.rgbsiaero.com/) - [Workforce Management](https://www.rgbsi.com/workforce-management/) - [Zobility](https://www.zobility.com) - [Engineering](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/) - [Project Request](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/engineering-solutions-request/) - [Engineering Services](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/) - [Research](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#research) - [Product Design & Development](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#productdesigndevelop) - [Simulation](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#simulation) - [Advanced Manufacturing](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#advancedmanufacturing) - [Automation](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#automation) - [Support Activities](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#supportactivities) - [Sustainability & Compliance](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/sustainability-compliance/) - [Electrical & Electronics](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/electrical-electronic-services/) - [Industry Expertise](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/industry-expertise/) - [Case Studies](https://www.rgbsi.com/case-studies/engineering/) - [QLM](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/) - [Quality Services](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/services/) - [Empower QLM Software](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/empower-qlm/) - [Quality Audits & Assessments](https://www.rgbsi.com/quality-audits/) - [PPAP](https://www.rgbsi.com/ppap/) - [Product Compliance & Sustainability](https://www.rgbsi.com/product-compliance-sustainability/) - [Case Studies](https://www.rgbsi.com/case-studies/qlm/) - [My ESG Planet](https://www.myesgplanet.com) - [About Us](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/) - [About Us](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/) - [Meet Our Leadership Team](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#meetourleadershipteam) - [Our Story](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#ourstory) - [Certifications](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#certifications) - [Awards & Recognition](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#awardsandrecognition) - [Our Brands](https://www.rgbsi.com/about-us/#ourbrands) - [Locations](https://www.rgbsi.com/locations/) - [Case Studies](https://www.rgbsi.com/case-studies/) - [Products](https://www.rgbsi.com/products/) - [Aerospace & Defense](https://www.rgbsiaero.com/) - [Workforce Management](https://www.rgbsi.com/workforce-management/) - [Workforce Management](https://www.rgbsi.com/workforce-management/) - [Zobility](https://www.zobility.com) - [Engineering](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/) - [Engineering](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/) - [Project Request](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/engineering-solutions-request/) - [Engineering Services](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/) - [Research](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#research) - [Product Design & Development](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#productdesigndevelop) - [Simulation](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#simulation) - [Advanced Manufacturing](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#advancedmanufacturing) - [Automation](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#automation) - [Support Activities](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/#supportactivities) - [Sustainability & Compliance](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/sustainability-compliance/) - [Electrical & Electronics](https://www.rgbsi.com/engineering/services/electrical-electronic-services/) - [Case Studies](https://www.rgbsi.com/case-studies/engineering/) - [Quality Lifecycle Management](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/) - [Quality Lifecycle Management](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/) - [Quality Services](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/services/) - [Empower QLM Software](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/empower-qlm/) - [Quality Audits & Assessments](https://www.rgbsi.com/quality-audits/) - [PPAP](https://www.rgbsi.com/ppap/) - [Product Compliance & Sustainability](https://www.rgbsi.com/product-compliance-sustainability/) - [Case Studies](https://www.rgbsi.com/case-studies/qlm/) ## RGBSI Blog #### The Latest News - [All](https://blog.rgbsi.com) - [Engineering](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/engineering) - [Company News](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/company-news) - [Career Insight](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/career-insight) - [IT](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/it) - [QLM](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/qlm) - [Workforce Management](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/workforce-management) - [Awards](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/awards) - [Community](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/community) - [Charity](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/charity) - [Events](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/events) - [Infographic](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/infographic) - [Whitepaper](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/whitepaper) - [Template](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/template) - [Press Releases](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/pressreleases) # [What is PFMEA?](https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-pfmea) [QLM](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/qlm) ![What is PFMEA? | RGBSI](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pfmea%20blog-01.png?width=1200&name=pfmea%20blog-01.png) Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA) is used by manufacturers to detect potential failures that are rooted in the physical process of producing a part. Each step of the process is carefully analyzed to identify every possible thing that could go wrong. PFMEA follows a similar process as **[DFMEA](https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-dfmea)**, but looks at failures derived strictly from the process as opposed to design. Planning for mishaps that could occur in the manufacturing process allows preparedness for all scenarios.  PFMEA allows manufacturers to build in process safeguards to offset **[potential failures](https://www.qualitymag.com/articles/94827-analyzing-potential-failure)** from occurring. A PFMEA should be conducted when any of the following occur: - Modification to an existing process - Introduction of new technology, equipment, or process steps to production - Relocation of a process to a new facility The primary objective of PFMEA is to identify potential failures associated with the manufacturing process such as human error, equipment malfunctions, and production bottlenecks. PFMEA helps identify the sources of failure and its impact on dependent variables through the manufacturing process. --- ## 10 Step PFMEA Process ##### **1. Review the process** Identify the process and the comprised steps through a detailed diagram. Identify what each step is intended to accomplish. ##### **2. Potential failure mode(s)** Identify potential failure(s) for each step of the process.  ##### **3. Potential effects of failures(s)** If the identified failure(s) were to occur list the impact it would have on production capacity, the next sequential step, or the finished product.  ##### **4. Potential causes of failure** Identity the process elements that could trigger potential failures. ##### **5. Assign a severity ranking** Assign a severity ranking 1 (low risk) – 10 (dangerous) to each of the identified potential failures as a consequence of it actually occurring. ##### **6. Assign an occurrence ranking** Assign an occurrence ranking from 1 (least likely) – 10 (extremely likely) to each failure based on the likelihood it will fail. ##### **7. Assign a detection ranking** Assign detection rankings based easiness of detection before failure happens. (1 easy detection – 10 extremely difficult to detect)  ##### **8. Calculate the RPN (risk priority number)** S x O x D=RPN 1 (low) – 1000 (high risk). Make a determination if the calculated number is acceptable for the failure being analyzed. ##### **9. Develop an action plan** Detail process controls and detection methods to decrease the RPN and implement them into the process.  ##### **10. Recalculate the RPN** Once failure control methods are in place, recalculate the RPN to measure any improvements. --- PFMEA allows manufacturing teams to show evidence that potential failure modes and risks have been addressed at the manufacturing process level during **[PPAP](https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-to-know-about-ppap)**. By using the PFMEA method, manufacturing teams can conduct **[quality diagnostics](http://www.aiag.org/quality/qualitydiagnostic)** to outline preventative measures and record improvements by monitoring RPN comparisons over time. ##### **About RGBSI QLM Solutions** Looking for help with PFMEA, PPAP, or other quality areas? At RGBSI, we provide full service **[quality lifecycle management](https://www.rgbsi.com/qlm/) **(QLM) solutions that optimize manufacturing supply chain initiatives. Organizations within automotive, aerospace, and other engineering segments leverage our expertise to validate, manage, and assess their current processes.  [![RGBSI FMEA Template](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2506444/67546163-1ace-4c51-9bdf-56dff1e52373.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2506444/67546163-1ace-4c51-9bdf-56dff1e52373) **Tags:** [QLM](https://blog.rgbsi.com/tag/qlm) ##### Share this entry > [mailto:?subject=https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-pfmea&body=What%20is%20PFMEA?](mailto:?subject=https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-pfmea&body=What%20is%20PFMEA?) ### You might also like [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CTA/ppap%20checklist%20CTA%20-%201200x630.png?width=60&name=ppap%20checklist%20CTA%20-%201200x630.png) **Checklist: PPAP Submissions for Tier 1 Suppliers**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/ppap-checklist) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Aerospace%20PPAP%20FAI%201200x628.png?width=60&name=Aerospace%20PPAP%20FAI%201200x628.png) **Quality 4.0 in Aerospace: Digitizing the PPAP and FAI Process**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/quality-4-0-aerospace-digitizing-ppap-fai) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/APQP%20Tier%201%20Suppliers%201200x628-100.jpg?width=60&name=APQP%20Tier%201%20Suppliers%201200x628-100.jpg) **Accelerating APQP: How Tier 1 Suppliers Can Launch Faster with Quality by Design**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/accelerating-apqp-tier-1-suppliers-quality-by-design) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5%20common%20PPAP%20mistakes%201200x628-100.jpg?width=60&name=5%20common%20PPAP%20mistakes%201200x628-100.jpg) **Top 5 Mistakes in PPAP Submissions and How to Fix Them**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/top-5-mistakes-in-ppap-submissions-and-fixes) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Control-Plan-Checklist-CTA-1200x630.jpg?width=60&name=Control-Plan-Checklist-CTA-1200x630.jpg) **Checklist: Control Plan**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/control-plan-checklist) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/production-control-plan-1200x628.jpg?width=60&name=production-control-plan-1200x628.jpg) **The Use of Production Control Plans for Consistency at Scale**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/production-control-plans-consistency-at-scale) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pre-launch-control-plan-1200x628.jpg?width=60&name=pre-launch-control-plan-1200x628.jpg) **How Pre-Launch Control Plans Optimize Manufacturing Stability**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/pre-launch-control-plans-manufacturing-stability) [![](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/prototype-control-plan-1200x628.jpg?width=60&name=prototype-control-plan-1200x628.jpg) **Understanding Prototype Control Plans in Product Development**](https://blog.rgbsi.com/prototype-control-plans-product-development) ### Latest Posts ![RGBSI](https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/RGBSI_July2018/Images/RGBSI-logo-RGB-inverse-small.png) ### Search ### Contact Us - **Phone** +1 248.589.1135 - **Address** 1200 Stephenson Hwy Troy, MI 48083 ### Connect with Us - - - ### Recent Posts RGBSI © Copyright 2025 - [Linkedin](https://linkedin.com/company/rgbsi) - [Facebook](http://facebook.com/rgbsi) - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/rgbsi) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.rgbsi.com/terms-and-conditions/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Monica Sachdev", "url" : "https://blog.rgbsi.com/author/monica-sachdev" }, "dateModified" : "2021-11-09T14:54:14.358Z", "datePublished" : "2018-10-03T13:26:24.000Z", "headline" : "What is PFMEA?", "image" : [ "https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/pfmea%20blog-01.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.rgbsi.com/what-is-pfmea", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.rgbsi.com/hubfs/RGBSI%20logo%20RGB-%20no%20clear%20space%20-%20300%20x%20106%20px.png" }, "name" : "RGBSI" } } ```