Improving risk evaluation in FMEA with a hybrid multiple criteria decision making method

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a new failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) framework for evaluation, prioritization and improvement of failure modes. Design/methodology/approach – A hybrid multiple criteria decision-making method combining VIKOR, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to rank the risk of the failure modes identified in FMEA. The modified VIKOR method is employed to determine the effects of failure modes on together. Then the DEMATEL technique is used to construct the influential relation map among the failure modes and causes of failures. Finally, the AHP approach based on the DEMATEL is utilized to obtain the influential weights and give the prioritization levels for the failure modes. Findings – A case study of diesel engine’s turbocharger system is provided to illustrate the potential application and benefits of the proposed FMEA approach. Results show that the new risk priority model can be effective in helping analysts find the high risky failure modes and create suitable maintenance strategies. Practical implications – The proposed FMEA can overcome the shortcomings and improve the effectiveness of the traditional FMEA. Particularly, the dependence and interactions between different failure modes and effects have been addressed by the new failure analysis method. Originality/value – This paper presents a systemic analytical model for FMEA. It is able to capture the complex interrelationships among various failure modes and effects and provide guidance to analysts by setting the suitable maintenance strategies to improve the safety and reliability of complex systems.