When unwanted events can spell disaster in mission critical situations, the use of Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to predict the likelihood of such failures is a proven technique for risk assessment. Fault tree analysis is a preferred technique for assessing risk in situations where safety is paramount and the probability of catastrophic events must be minimized.

Fault tree analysis is used in the nuclear power, military, aerospace, defense, and medical industries – where risk and safety issues are of utmost importance, and in some cases must be kept in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Even in commercial industries where the severity of failure may not be as catastrophic to be life-threatening, the principles of fault tree analysis can be applied for risk assessment. FTA is used in the civil aircraft sector to support PSSA (Preliminary System Safety Assessment) and SSA (System Safety Assessment) as detailed in the SAE ARP4754A/ARP4761 standards. Fault tree analysis is also frequently used in the telecom, automotive, oil and gas, and many other industries to due to its well-proven methodology.

Fault tree analysis is used to assess risk in order to eliminate, minimize, or mitigate events that lead to catastrophic system failures. The goal is to keep the probability, or likelihood, of the critical events as low as possible. The benefit of fault tree analysis is that you can obtain quantifiable metrics to be sure your risk and hazard rates are under control.

Best-in-class fault tree software needs to be flexible, powerful, and visually engaging.

The front-end diagramming function must be easy to navigate and result in well-organized and optimally configured trees. Automated abilities, such as optimizing layout and auto-connection, are desirable. Additionally, the features that aid in handling large trees, such as support for transfer gates and linked sub-trees are critical.

Because FTA software can serve as a vital tool in risk assessment and mitigation, the ability to model real-world scenarios is important. This means that a variety of logic gates and events must be supported, along with a solid list of input models to choose from. For example, support for more advanced modeling features, such as CCF (Common Cause Failure) groups and disjoint events, is also beneficial.

The core feature of any fault tree tool is the ability to accurately calculate risk metrics. The calculation engine needs to be fast, reliable, as well as accurate. A variety of calculation methods should be available: exact (analytical), cut set approximation, such as cross-product, cut set summation, and Esary Proschan, as well as simulation. The mathematical engine must be able to support simulation to handle complex scenarios where analytical results are not possible. Additionally, an array of output results should be supported – such as unavailability, failure frequency, number of failures, and minimal cut set evaluation (MCS). Also, if your needs include support for the techniques described in the SAE ARP4754A and SAE ARP4761 standards, make sure your fault tree software includes this capability.

Report features should include graphical output results as well as numeric table-based output. Added bonuses include features such as the ability to store fault tree data in a databank for reusability and consistency, dashboards for insight and overview of important metrics, the ability to install on-premise or online depending on your needs, and an API interface for integrating with other quality systems.

What do you expect from a best-in-class Fault Tree Analysis software tool?

A visually impressive, easy-to-use diagramming front end? A highly accurate and fast mathematical calculation engine? Built-in support for an array of risk metrics? The ability to perform SAE ARP4754A/ARP4761 based analyses? A software tool delivered by a company that believes in, and is committed to, continual product development and improvement? A software package that can be installed on-premise, or on your own private cloud, or cloud hosted for you? A browser-based, device independent solution that offers mobile friendly features to support your global or geographically diverse team? A company that truly delivers responsive and knowledgeable customer support?

All of the above?

Relyence answers all these questions with a resounding “yes!” and offers even more. It’s why Relyence Fault Tree is the trusted name for FTA tools and is used across the world in a wide range of industries.

See how Relyence Fault Tree can handle your needs. Sign up now to start your free trial!