Question

If you reduce the probability (likelihood) of producing a defect (failure mode), What component of the RPN score will you affect?

A. Severity
B. Detection
C. Availability
D. Occurrence
E. None of the above.

Answer 1

Reducing the probability of producing a defect affects the Occurrence component of the RPN score, which is used in FMEA to assess risk by considering severity, occurrence, and detection options (a,b,d).

Step-by-step explanation:

If you reduce the probability of producing a defect, which is synonymous with decreasing the likelihood of a failure mode occurring, you affect the Occurrence component of the Risk Priority Number (RPN) score. The RPN is used in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to prioritize potential risks based on three factors: Severity, Occurrence, and Detection.

Reducing the occurrence will lower the RPN score, making it less of a priority, because the RPN is calculated by multiplying the scores of severity, occurrence, and detection probability. Decreasing the occurrence score indicates a reduced chance of a defect occurring, thus directly impacting the RPN.