Integration of RAMS and risk analysis in product design and development work processes

Abstract

Most industrial customers are looking for products that meet the functional performance needs and have predictable life cycle cost (LCC). Due to design problems and poor product support, these systems are not able to meet the customers' requirements. Major causes of customer dissatisfaction are often traced back to unexpected failures, leading to unexpected costs. However, with proper consideration of reliability, availability, maintainability and supportability (RAMS) in the design, manufacturing, and installation phases, the number of failures can be reduced and their consequences minimized. Based on a case study in a manufacturing company, an approach for integration of RAMS and risk analysis in design, development and manufacturing is presented. The importance of LCC analysis, use of feedback information, and integration of various information sources to facilitate easy RAMS implementation, in combination with risk analysis in the design phase, is discussed. An approach is suggested for integration of RAMS in the Stage Gate model for project and work process management, coordination and control, to reduce risk. A training program, developed and implemented during the study to create awareness and to improve learning and understanding of RAMS' aspects of existing and future products and processes, is also presented.