Kraig Strong, Tektronix
Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is a methodology widely used by hardware designers to model and avoid field failures. Increasingly, this methodology is being adapted to modeling software systems for improving reliability. Among the methods, tools, and practices for improving software reliability, FMEA is arguably the least costly, easiest to learn, and most effective.
The presentation will review the essential elements of the FMEA methodology as it is applied to systems that involve software components. These essential elements include the Functional Block Diagram (FBD) and the FMEA worksheet. The FMEA worksheet is the final work product in the process and culminates in a prioritized list of recommended actions.
Examples, lessons learned, and recommendations will be offered to reinforce the FMEA concepts and provide helpful guidance for those interested in applying FMEA on their software projects.
