Shortcomings in MIL-STD-1629A guidelines for criticality analysis

Some shortcomings in the industry guidelines MIL-STD-1629A in performing failure mode, effects, and criticality analyses are highlighted. It can be shown that if the MIL-STD-1629A guidelines are followed, then the contribution of several terms to the item-criticality numbers (the final step in completing a criticality analysis) is erroneously omitted. As a result, the item-criticality numbers for the lower severities of the item are incorrect. As a separate issue, a broader definition of β is recommended to properly treat failures in redundant systems