Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a systematic analysis technique that facilitates the identification of potential problems (failure modes) within a design or manufacturing process. Problems can then be ranked in order of importance to prioritize improvement actions. These actions are implemented to reduce the chances of the problem occurring, and to mitigate the consequences if a problem actually does occur.
Note that this definition says "potential problems." Perhaps a way of thinking of FMEA is that of root-cause analysis before a problem occurs. Thus, FMEA is a proactive, rather than a reactive, tool. Think "error proofing."
Practitioners say FMEA is easy to learn and use. It's structured approach makes it easy even for nonspecialists.
Sources:
