Skip to main content
Log in

Improving reliability engineering in product development based on design theory: the case of FMEA in the semiconductor industry

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Research in Engineering Design Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In industry, the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) methodology is one of the main tools used for reliability management in product design and development. However, the academic literature highlights several shortcomings of the FMEA methodology. Therefore, the main purposes of this paper are the analysis of the weaknesses of FMEA, the improvement of the method, and the implementation of a new methodology able to support quality and reliability management in a more efficient way. Motivated by these objectives, a formal new methodology is proposed by extending the classic FMEA methodology through C-K design theory. To test the effectiveness of the proposed approach and analyze the acceptance of this method by users, a case study is conducted in STMicroelectronics, one of the European leaders in the semiconductor industry.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. International quality management system (QMS) standard for the automotive industry originally developed by the American auto industry (Daimler Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation).

  2. IATF 16949 is a global Quality Management System Standard for the Automotive industry. It was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) with support from the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).

  3. Automotive Industry Action Group.

  4. German Automotive Industry Association.

References

  • Agogué M, Hooge S, Arnoux F, Brown I (2014a) An introduction to innovative design—elements and applications of CK theory. Presse de Mines, Paris

    Google Scholar 

  • Agogué M, Kazakçi A, Hatchuel A, Le Masson P, Weil B, Poirel N, Cassotti M (2014b) The impact of type of examples on originality: explaining fixation and stimulation effects. J Creative Behav 48(1):1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Agogué M, Poirel N, Pineau A, Houdé O, Cassotti M (2014c) The impact of age and training on creativity: a design-theory approach to study fixation effects. Think Skills Creativity 11:33–41

    Google Scholar 

  • AIAG (2001) Potential failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA): reference manual, 3rd edn. AIAG, Southfield, MI

    Google Scholar 

  • AIAG (2008) Potential failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA): reference manual, 4th edn. AIAG, Southfield, MI

    Google Scholar 

  • AIAG and VDA (2019) Failure mode and effects analysis—fmea handbook: design fmea, process fmea, supplement fmea for monitoring and system response. AIAG and VDA, Southfield, MI

    Google Scholar 

  • Balaraju J, Raj MG, Murthy CS (2019) Fuzzy-FMEA risk evaluation approach for LHD machine—a case study. J Sustain Mining 18(4):257–268

    Google Scholar 

  • Banduka N, Veža I, Bilić B (2016) An integrated lean approach to process failure mode and effect analysis (PFMEA): a case study from automotive industry. Adv Prod Eng Manage 11(4)

  • Banduka N, Tadić D, Mačužić I, Crnjac M (2018) Extended process failure mode and effect analysis (PFMEA) for the automotive industry: the FSQC-PFMEA. Adv Prod Eng Manage 13(2):206–215

    Google Scholar 

  • Ben Said A, Shahzad M, Zamai E, Hubac S, Tollenaere M (2016) Experts’ knowledge renewal and maintenance actions effectiveness in high-mix low-volume industries, using Bayesian approach. Cogn Technol Work 18(1):193–213

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertsche B (2008) Reliability in automotive and mechanical engineering: determination of component and system reliability. Springer Science & Business Media, Heidelberg

    Google Scholar 

  • Bharathi SK, Vinodh S, Gopi N (2018) Development of software support for process FMEA: a case study. Int J Services Oper Manage 31(4):415–432

    Google Scholar 

  • Breiing A, Kunz A (2002) Critical consideration and improvement of the FMEA. In: Proceedings of tools and methods of competitive engineering-TMCE 2002, Wuhan, China, pp 519–530

  • Cabanes B, Galy P, Le Masson P, Weil B (2016) Technical staff management for radical innovation in science-based organizations: a new framework based on design theory. R&D Management Conference, Cambridge, UK

  • Cabanes B, Le Masson P, Weil B (2020) Organiser la création de connaissance pour l’innovation de rupture : Des communautés aux sociétés proto-épistémiques d’experts. Revue Française Gest 288(3):35–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Campean IF, Henshall E, Brunson D, Day A, McLellan R, Hartley J (2011) A structured approach for function analysis of complex automotive systems. SAE Int J Mater Manuf 4(1):1255–1267

    Google Scholar 

  • Campean IF, Henshall E, Rutter B (2013) Systems engineering excellence through design: an integrated approach based on failure mode avoidance. SAE Int J Mater Manuf 6(3):389–401

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlson C (2012) Effective FMEAs: Achieving safe, reliable, and economical products and processes using failure mode and effects analysis, vol 1. John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey

    Google Scholar 

  • Chanamool N, Naenna T (2016) Fuzzy FMEA application to improve decision-making process in an emergency department. Appl Soft Comput 43:441–453

    Google Scholar 

  • Coughlan P, Coghlan D (2002) Action research for operations management. Int J Oper Prod Manage 22(2):220–240

    Google Scholar 

  • Dağsuyu C, Göçmen E, Narlı M, Kokangül A (2016) Classical and fuzzy FMEA risk analysis in a sterilization unit. Comput Ind Eng 101:286–294

    Google Scholar 

  • David A, Hatchuel A (2007) From actionable knowledge to universal theory in management research. In: Shani AB (ed) Handbook of collaborative management research. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, pp 33–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Denyer D, Tranfield D, Van Aken JE (2008) Developing design propositions through research synthesis. Organization studies 29(3):393–413

    Google Scholar 

  • Dorst K (1997) Describing design: a comparison of paradigms. Thesis TU Delft, Delft University of Technology

  • Dorst K (2006) Design problems and design paradoxes. Des Issues 22(3):4–17

    Google Scholar 

  • Dorst K, Cross N (2001) Creativity in the design process: co-evolution of problem-solution. Des Stud 22(5):425–437

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisenhardt KM (1989) Building theories from case study research. Acad Manag Rev 14(4):532–550

    Google Scholar 

  • Erbay B, Özkan C (2018) Fuzzy FMEA application combined with fuzzy cognitive maps to manage the risks of a software project. Eur J Eng Formal Sci 2(2):7–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng X, Qian Y, Li Z, Wang L, Wu M (2018) Functional model-driven fmea method and its system implementation. In 2018 12th international conference on reliability, maintainability, and safety (ICRMS), IEEE, pp 345–350

  • Ford Motor Company (2011) Failure mode and effects analysis—fmea handbook (with robustness linkages). Version 4.2

  • Fox NJ (2011) Boundary objects, social meanings and the success of new technologies. Sociology 45(1):70–85

    Google Scholar 

  • Francis T (2003) Guidelines for failure mode and effects analysis for automotive, aerospace and general manufacturing industries. Dyadem Press, Boca Raton

    Google Scholar 

  • Geramian A, Shahin A, Minaei B, Antony J (2019) Enhanced FMEA: an integrative approach of fuzzy logic-based FMEA and collective process capability analysis. J Oper Res Soc 71:800–812

    Google Scholar 

  • Gillier T, Piat G, Roussel B, Truchot P (2010) Managing innovation fields in a cross-industry exploratory partnership with C-K design theory. J Prod Innov Manag 27(6):883–896

    Google Scholar 

  • Gobble MM (2014) Beyond brainstorming. Res Technol Manage 57(2):60–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Groop J, Ketokivi M, Gupta M, Holmström J (2017) Improving home care: knowledge creation through engagement and design. J Oper Manage 53:9–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Harms R, Van Der Zee K (2013) Interview: Paul Paulus on group creativity. Creat Innovat Manage 22(1):96–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatchuel A (2001) Towards design theory and expandable rationality: the unfinished program of Herbert Simon. J Manage Governance 5(3–4):260–273

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatchuel A, Chen MK (2017) Creativity under strong constraints: the hidden influence of design models. Eur Rev 25(2):194–207

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatchuel A, Weil B (2003) A new approach of innovative Design: an introduction to CK theory. In: DS 31: Proceedings of ICED 03, the 14th international conference on engineering design, Stockholm

  • Hatchuel A, Weil B (2009) CK design theory: an advanced formulation. Res Eng Des 19(4):181

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatchuel A, Le Masson P, Weil B (2011) Teaching innovative design reasoning: how concept–knowledge theory can help overcome fixation effects. Artif Intell Eng Des Anal Manuf 25(1):77–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatchuel A, Weil B, Le Masson P (2013) Towards an ontology of design: lessons from C-K design theory and Forcing. Res Eng Des 24(2):147–163

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatchuel A, Le Masson P, Reich Y, Subrahmanian E (2018) Design theory: a foundation of a new paradigm for design science and engineering. Res Eng Des 29(1):5–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Haughey B (2019) Product and process risk analysis and the impact on product safety, quality, and reliability. In: 2019 annual reliability and maintainability symposium (RAMS), IEEE, pp 1–5

  • Hendriks L, Kazakçi AO (2010) A formal account of the dual extension of knowledge and concept in CK design theory. In: DS 60: Proceedings of DESIGN 2010, the 11th international design conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia, pp 49–58

  • Henshall E, Campean IF, Rutter B (2014) A systems approach to the development and use of FMEA in complex automotive applications. SAE Int J Mater Manuf 7(2):280–290

    Google Scholar 

  • Henshall E, Rutter B, Souch D (2015) Extending the role of interface analysis within a systems engineering approach to the design of robust and reliable automotive product. SAE Int J Mater Manuf 8(2):322–335. https://doi.org/10.4271/2015-01-0456

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jegadheesan C, Arunachalam VP, Devadasan SR, Srinivasan PSS (2006) Design and development of modified service failure mode and effects analysis model. Int J Serv Oper Manage 3(1):111–126

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson KG, Khan MK (2003) A study into the use of the process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA) in the automotive industry in the UK. J Mater Process Technol 139(1–3):348–356

    Google Scholar 

  • Joshi G, Joshi H (2014) FMEA and alternatives v/s enhanced risk assessment mechanism. Int J Comput Appl 93(14):33–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazakçı AO (2013) On the imaginative constructivist nature of design: a theoretical approach. Res Eng Des 24(2):127–145

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazakçı AO, Tsoukiàs A (2005) Extending the C-K design theory: a theoretical background for personal design assistants. J Eng Des 16(4):399–411

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazakci AO, Gillier T, Piat G, Hatchuel A (2015) Brainstorming vs. creative design reasoning: a theory-driven experimental investigation of novelty, feasibility and value of ideas. In: Gero J, Hanna S (eds) Design computing and cognition’14. Springer, Cham

    Google Scholar 

  • Keeney RL (2012) Value-focused brainstorming. Dec Anal 9(4):303–313

    MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Kimble C, Grenier C, Goglio-Primard K (2010) Innovation and knowledge sharing across professional boundaries: political interplay between boundary objects and brokers. Int J Inf Manage 30(5):437–444

    Google Scholar 

  • Klerkx L, van Bommel S, Bos B, Holster H, Zwartkruis JV, Aarts N (2012) Design process outputs as boundary objects in agricultural innovation projects: functions and limitations. Agric Syst 113:39–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Kohn NW, Smith SM (2011) Collaborative fixation: effects of others’ ideas on brainstorming. Appl Cogn Psychol 25(3):359–371

    Google Scholar 

  • Kroll E (2013) Design theory and conceptual design: contrasting functional decomposition and morphology with parameter analysis. Res Eng Des 24(2):165–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar C and Maass E (2013) FMEAs using a functional modeling based approach. In: 2013 Proceedings annual reliability and maintainability symposium (RAMS), IEEE, pp 1–6

  • Le Masson P, Hatchuel A, Weil B (2007) Creativity and design reasoning: hiw C-K theory can enhance creative design. In: DS 42: Proceedings of ICED 2007, the 16th international conference on engineering design, Paris, France, 28–31.07.2007, pp 357–358

  • Le Masson P, Dorst K, Subrahmanian E (2013) Design theory: history, state of the art and advancements. Res Eng Des 24(2):97–103

    Google Scholar 

  • Le Masson P, Hatchuel A, Weil B (2015) Design theory at Bauhaus: teaching “splitting” knowledge. Res Eng Des 27(2):91–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewin K (1946) Action research and minority problems. J Soc Issues 2(4):34–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu HC (2019) Improved FMEA methods for proactive healthcare risk analysis. Springer, Singapore

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu HC, Liu L, Liu N (2013) Risk evaluation approaches in failure mode and effects analysis: a literature review. Expert Syst Appl 40(2):828–838

    Google Scholar 

  • Lodgaard E, Pellegård Ø, Ringen G, Klokkehaug J A (2011) Failure mode and effects analysis in combination with the problem solving A3. In: DS 68-9: Proceedings of the 18th international conference on engineering design (ICED 11), Lyngby/Copenhagen, Denmark, pp 71–79

  • Lutz J, Schlangenotto H, Scheuermann U, De Doncker R (2011) Semiconductor power devices: physics, characteristics, reliability. Springer Science & Business Media, Switzerland

    Google Scholar 

  • Marucheck A, Greis N, Mena C, Cai L (2011) Product safety and security in the global supply chain: Issues, challenges and research opportunities. J Oper Manage 29(7–8):707–720

    Google Scholar 

  • Mikulak RJ, McDermott R, Beauregard M (2009) The basics of FMEA. CRC Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Osborn AF (1963) Applied imagination: principles and procedures of creative problem- solving (3rd rev. ed.). Scribner’s Sons, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Pasmore A, Stymne B, Shani AB, Albers Mohrman S (2008) Adler N (2008) The promise of collaborative management research. In: Shani AB (ed) Handbook of collaborative management research. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Peeters JF, Basten RJ, Tinga T (2018) Improving failure analysis efficiency by combining FTA and FMEA in a recursive manner. Reliab Eng Syst Saf 172:36–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Pluchinotta I, Kazakçi AO, Giordano R, Tsoukiàs A (2019) Design theory for generating alternatives in public decision making processes. Group Decis Negot 28(2):341–375

    Google Scholar 

  • Punz S, Follmer M, Hehenberger P, Zeman K (2011) IFMEA—integrated failure mode and effects analysis. In: DS 68-9: Proceedings of the 18th international conference on engineering design (ICED 11), Lyngby/Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Qian HH, Liu ZJ, Xu YB (2017) Systematic maintenance and applications of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) in semiconductor manufacturing. In: 2017 China semiconductor technology international conference (CSTIC), IEEE, pp 1–4

  • Rawlinson JG (2017) Creative thinking and brainstorming. Routledge, Oxon

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinig BA, Briggs RO (2008) On the relationship between idea-quantity and idea-quality during ideation. Group Decis Negot 17(5):403

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinig BA, Briggs RO (2013) Putting quality first in ideation research. Group Decis Negot 22(5):943–973

    Google Scholar 

  • Rietzschel EF, Nijstad BA, Stroebe W (2010) The selection of creative ideas after individual idea generation: choosing between creativity and impact. Br J Psychol 101(1):47–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Rowatt WC, Nesselroade jr KP, Beggan JK, Allison ST (1997) Perceptions of brainstorming in groups: the quality over quantity hypothesis. J Creat Behav 31(2):131–150

    Google Scholar 

  • Schein EH (1987) Clinical perspective in fieldwork. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Schroeder RG, Linderman K, Liedtke C, Choo AS (2008) Six sigma: definition and underlying theory. J Oper Manage 26(4):536–554

    Google Scholar 

  • Seeber I, De Vreede GJ, Maier R, Weber B (2017) Beyond brainstorming: exploring convergence in teams. J Manage Inf Syst 34(4):939–969

    Google Scholar 

  • Shani AB, Mohrman SA, Pasmore WA, Stymne B, Adler N (eds) (2008) Handbook of collaborative management research. Sage Publications, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma AK (1997) Semiconductor memories: technology, testing, and reliability, vol 2005. Ieee Press, Piscataway

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Simon HA (1973) The structure of ill structured problems. Artif Intell 4(3–4):181–201

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon HA (1996) The sciences of the artificial. MIT Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh J, Singh H, Gandhi SK, Chhibber YS (2017) Assessment of failure mode effect analysis in manufacturing unit: a case study. IUP J Oper Manage 16(4):7–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Spreafico C, Russo D, Rizzi C (2017) A state-of-the-art review of FMEA/FMECA including patents. Comput Sci Rev 25:19–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Stamatis DH (2003) Failure mode and effect analysis: FMEA from theory to execution. ASQ Quality Press, Milwaukee

    Google Scholar 

  • Star SL, Griesemer JR (1989) Institutional ecology, ‘“translations”,’ and boundary objects: amateurs and professionals in berkeley’s museum of vertebrate zoology 1907–39. Soc Stud Sci 19(3):387–420

    Google Scholar 

  • Stone RB, Tumer IY, Stock ME (2005) Linking product functionality to historic failures to improve failure analysis in design. Res Eng Des 16(1–2):96–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Subriadi AP, Najwa NF (2020) The consistency analysis of failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) in information technology risk assessment. Heliyon 6(1):e03161

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun L, Peng L, Deng G, Chien K (2017) A novel FMEA tool application in semiconductor manufacture. In: 2017 China semiconductor technology international conference (CSTIC), IEEE, pp 1–4

  • Taura T, Nagai Y (2012) Concept generation for design creativity: A systematized theory and methodology. Springer Science & Business Media, Heidelberg

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsai SB, Zhou J, Gao Y, Wang J, Li G, Zheng Y et al (2017) Combining FMEA with DEMATEL models to solve production process problems. PLoS ONE 12(8):e0183634. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183634

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams WM, Sternberg RJ (1988) Group intelligence: why some groups are better than others. Intelligence 12(4):351–377

    Google Scholar 

  • Würtenberger J, Kloberdanz, Lotz, von Ahsen (2014) Application of the FMEA during the product development process-dependencies between level of information and quality of result. In: DS 77: Proceedings of the DESIGN 2014 13th international design conference, Dubrovnik, 2014

  • Yin RK (1994) Case study research: design and methods. Applied social research methods series, vol 3. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Benjamin Cabanes.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Cabanes, B., Hubac, S., Le Masson, P. et al. Improving reliability engineering in product development based on design theory: the case of FMEA in the semiconductor industry. Res Eng Design 32, 309–329 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00163-021-00360-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00163-021-00360-1

Keywords

Navigation