Root Cause Failure Analysis Methodology

Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) is a reliability technique used to identify the causal factors for component, equipment, or system failures. The key to a successful RCFA program is to identify and implement a set of recommendations that address the cause of each failure that is analyzed. RCFA methodologies have specific applications and limitations and in some case for complex machinery investigations they can be combined and enhanced for better results. RCFA is the best way to understand why a critical component or a piece of equipment failed and what is required to prevent such failures again. Today RCFA is a major evaluation component in engineering sectors such as metallurgy, welding, process control, electronics, and others. In this paper, the general approach for doing Root Cause Failure Analysis is discussed and the implementation of a procedure that is applicable to wide range of situations is described in detail.

Keywords:

Root Cause , RCFA , Corrective Action , Process , Failure , Quality , Events