Graphical user interface for failure mode and effect analysis

Abstract

A method to facilitate a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) project associated with one or more components or process during a product development cycle is provided. A real time FMEA status is viewable through a user interface which indicates the progress of the FMEA project. The method includes displaying on the user interface one or more information pages associated with sequential order of elements to be completed by one or more FMEA analysts. The method further involves receiving with an aid of the user interface textual inputs from the one or more FMEA analysts for the one or more information pages associated with the sequential orders of elements. The method further includes representing, to the one or more FMEA analysts, the sequential order of elements in a tree structure format. The information associated with the sequential order of elements is editable and is updated in real time.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Applications No. 61 / 470,744 by Jason Wayne Flanagan et al., filed Apr. 1, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 470,715 by Jasmeen K. Harsh et al., filed Apr. 1, 2011, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and more particularly to a use of Graphical User Interface (GUI) in the FMEA.BACKGROUND[0003]Every product or process is subject to different types or modes of failure. Potential failures may have costly consequences or effects. Hence, it is essential to effectively and efficiently monitor the entire production cycle of the product and its manufacturing process in order to identify the potential failures and the associated relative risks at an early stage and achieve a better quality product.[0004]Generally, Failure Mode and E...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent provides a computer-implemented method, system, and article of manufacture for facilitating a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) project associated with one or more components or process during a product development cycle. The method includes displaying a real-time FMEA status through a user interface, which indicates the progress of the FMEA project. The method also involves displaying one or more information pages associated with sequential order of elements to be completed by one or more FMEA analysts. The information associated with the sequential order of elements is editable and is updated in real time. The tree structure may also be updated in real time as the information associated with the sequential order of elements gets updated. The technical effects of the patent include improving the efficiency and accuracy of the FMEA process by providing a real-time view of the project's progress and allowing for real-time editing and updating of information pages associated with sequential order of elements.

Problems solved by technology

Every product or process is subject to different types or modes of failure.

Potential failures may have costly consequences or effects.

This known technique proves to be time consuming and cumbersome in situations where the FMEA is being conducted for a product having a relatively large number of parts or numerous process steps.

Additionally, the technique is prone to human errors.

Moreover, in some instances, manually monitoring the progress of the FMEA, tracking the progress of the action plans or evaluating the success of risk mitigation may be difficult and challenging.

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