Utilizing the 3Ms of Process Improvement

Appendix 9: FMEA Severity, Occurrence, Detection Tables

The team defines the rating scale (1–10) for the Severity, Occurrence, and Detection ratings. You and your team choose the levels and numbers (as long as they are on a scale of 1 to 10).

How severe is it?

Not severe = 1

Somewhat = 3

Moderately = 5

Very severe = 10 (VERY BAD)

How often does it occur?

Never/Rarely = 1

Sometimes = 3

Half the time = 5

Always = 10 (VERY BAD)

How well can you detect it?

Always = 1

Sometimes = 3

Half the time = 5

Never = 10 (VERY BAD)

Figure A9.1