Harmful Modes and Effects Classification Using Fuzzy Cluster Analysis Case Study: Steel Making Factory of Iran Alloy Steel Company

Despite the extensive use of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) in the manufacturing and services, emphasis on the results of this method with concern to the disadvantages such as providing definitive results is not correct. This paper tries to clarify the main disadvantages of FMEA conventional method and explain the concept of cluster analysis and specifications of different models of C-Means to classify harmful modes and effects in the steel making factory of Iran's alloy steel company using FMEA and fuzzy clustering techniques. In this context, homogeneous harmful modes and effects based on occurrence, severity and frequency indicators with Fuzzy C-Means clustering (FCM) were identified. In this study, the fuzzy cluster analysis in terms of before and after improvement was performed by Data Engine 4.0 software. The results of this research will be useful for researchers, managers, and safety professionals for developing practical strategies in order to prevent the consequences of harmful modes and effects.