Assessment of production system stability with the use of the FMEA analysis and simulation models

In order to ensure smooth functioning of a production system, the stability of its processes must be guaranteed, while on the other hand it must be possible to make quick decisions encumbered with the lowest possible risk. The risk results from the uncertainty associated with making decisions as to the future, as well as from the fact that the implementation of innovations is one of the factors that disturb the current manner of operation of the enterprise. The stability of a production system is defined as maintaining the steady state by the system for a certain assumed period of time. The paper describes a method for analysing and assessing the stability in production systems. In order to determine the extent of the impact of individual risk factors on the selected area of the production system, the FMEA analysis was used. When determining the values of the parameters needed for calculating the Risk Priority Number (RPN), defuzzified values of appropriate linguistic variables were used. A process of ore transportation process with the use of a belt conveyor was used as an example.