logical, systematic examination of an item to identify and analyze the probability, causes and consequences of potential and real failures (ref. ISO 11607: 2003(E)).

Failure analysis is the process of collecting and analyzing data to determine the cause of a failure and how to prevent it from recurring. It is an important discipline in many branches of manufacturing industry, such as the electronics industry, where it is a vital tool used in the development of new products and for the improvement of existing products. However, it also applies to other fields such as business management and military strategy.

looking at products where a failure has been ascertained and determining whether the failure is on the company's part or if it is a common failure on the product

The process of evaluating an electronic part to determine the cause of its failure. This information can often be used to determine the specific type of overstress so that some way of preventing it may be found. See Failure Mechanism.

1) A formalized approach to determine the cause and nature of part failures and to recommend corrective actions. 2) The organization that performs such work.