RPN

Risk Priority Number

A quantitative measure used in Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to prioritize and assess the relative risk of potential failure modes. The RPN helps identify which failure modes require the most immediate attention and resources to prevent or mitigate potential issues.

The RPN is calculated by multiplying three factors:

\(RPN = S \times O \times D\)

1. Severity (S): This factor represents the potential impact or consequences of a specific failure mode on the product, process, or system. Severity is typically rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least severe and 10 being the most severe.
2. Occurrence (O): Occurrence refers to the likelihood or probability of a particular failure mode occurring. It is also rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 indicating a very low probability and 10 indicating a high probability of occurrence.
3. Detection (D): Detection represents the ability to detect or identify the failure mode before it results in a negative outcome. This factor is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 indicating a high likelihood of detection and 10 indicating a low likelihood of detection.

Once the RPN is calculated for each potential failure mode, the results can be used to prioritize which issues should be addressed first. Failure modes with higher RPNs typically receive higher priority, as they pose a greater risk to the product, process, or system.

It is important to note that the RPN is just one tool used in risk assessment and should not be the sole determinant for prioritizing actions. Organizations should also consider other factors, such as cost, feasibility, and impact on overall business objectives, when making decisions about risk mitigation strategies.

• Abbreviation: RPN