What are failure modes?

Failure modes refer to the various ways in which a system, process, or product can fail to perform its intended function. Understanding failure modes is critical in fields such as engineering, maintenance, and quality assurance because it allows for the identification and mitigation of potential issues before they lead to problems. By analyzing and categorizing these failure modes, organizations can design preventive measures, improve reliability, and ultimately ensure better outcomes. This concept is essential in risk management and helps teams focus on enhancing performance by addressing weaknesses directly associated with possible failures.