Systems Failure Analysis gives your product teams the tools and concepts to get at the root causes of defects and failures in complex manufacturing and engineered systems.. The techniques described can be applied to assessing and preventing a “show stopper” failure that brings an organization to a halt as well as to finding and correcting root causes of unacceptable variations in a system. The methods described in Systems Failure Analysis can help you identify and evaluate all potential failure causes and avoid just jumping to conclusions about the perceived obvious ones. Quantifying the “hidden factory” of process variations also can help prevent failures and improve productivity and yields by reducing scrap or rework.
The techniques in Systems Failure Analysis focus on a team approach, and it is written as a practical reference for all members of your product or failure analysis team including:
- Engineering
- Quality assurance
- Manufacturing technicians
- Purchasing personnel
- Field service personnel
- Operators or other users
In both development and failure analysis, identifying all potential causes of failure can save valuable time. Several proven methods are discussed, including:
- Brainstorming
- Ishikawa diagrams
- The 5-whys approach
- Mind mapping
- Fault tree analysis
In particular, fault tree analysis is covered in detail as the preferred in many cases for its systematic coverage. The book then describes several technologies to objectively evaluate potential causes.
Written for development and manufacturing engineers, inspection specialists, quality assurance personnel, purchasing personnel, and field service engineers, Systems Failure Analysis will help any organization that produces or procures complex systems in the aerospace, defense, automotive, biomedical, electronic, energy, and process industries. The book is based on a course for organizations producing or procuring complex, high-technology systems.
About the Author: With more than 30 years of experience with assignments in marketing, operations, engineering, quality assurance and program management in development and production environments, Joseph Berk consults and has written books and articles on management, continuous improvement, and financial analysis. He is a Faculty Member in the Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Engineering Technology Departments at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Courses include engineering communications, computer applications, strength of materials, statics, fluid dynamics, and other engineering subjects.
Joseph Berk is qualified as an expert witness before the U.S. Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals on statistics, quality assurance, and systems failure analysis issues. His clients includes Alcoa, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Division, Boeing, Baxter CardioVascular Group, Baxter Paramax, Baxter Puerto Rico, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds, Hi-Shear Industries, Hi-Shear Technology Corporation, Interface Technology, Burkert Contromatic, SigmaPower, California Munitions Development Company, Aerojet Ordnance, Zieman Manufacturing Company, Grafalloy, Perrin Manufacturing Company, New Bedford Panoramex Company, Sparta, Layne Christensen Company, Vickers Sterer Engineering, and others.