Towards Case-Based Reuse of FMEA Models for Complex Production Systems

Abstract

Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA) forms the backbone of proactive risk analysis in manufacturing. However, the reuse of FMEA models across varying contexts has remained an intricate, often labor-intensive process, primarily relying on expert knowledge. This paper introduces the Risk Model Reuse (RMR) approach, designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of FMEA model reuse. RMR is premised on Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) principles, supported by a robust ontology for Products, Processes, and Resources (PPR), to enable reuse of identified risks. An initial validation of the approach is presented through two distinct industrial welding use cases. Here, the approach facilitated the extraction and reuse of relevant risks from one welding case to another, enabling a nuanced consideration of case-specific risks while ensuring knowledge accuracy and context-appropriateness. Despite its promising application, the RMR approach acknowledges areas of future refinement, such as broadening its applicability across diverse joining applications, alignment with industry standards and advanced tool support for enhanced automation. By addressing these potential advancements, the approach sets a path towards a more efficient and effective risk analysis paradigm.