Failure Pyramid

 Failure Pyramid

    * Pre-condition to Failure
        * Environmental factors
        * Design flaws
        * Incorrect installation
    * Hidden Failure
        * Degradation of components
        * Manufacturing defects
    * Component Failure
        * Failure of individual components
    * Functional Failure
        * Failure of the system to meet its requirements

Pre-condition to Failure

The bottom layer of the pyramid is the pre-condition to failure. This is the set of conditions that must be met in order for a failure to occur. These conditions can be environmental factors, design flaws, or incorrect installation. Pre-Condition to Failure is a condition that makes a functional failure more likely.

For example, a software bug that is not detected and fixed could lead to a functional failure in the future. Another example, a pre-condition to failure for a software system might be that the system is not properly cooled. If the system is not properly cooled, it may overheat and fail.

Hidden Failure

The middle layer of the pyramid is the hidden failure. This is a failure that does not immediately manifest itself. It may be a degradation of components or a manufacturing defect. Hidden Failure is a failure that does not prevent a system or service from performing its intended function, but can lead to a functional failure in the future.

For example, a software bug that does not cause any problems in the current version of the software, but could cause problems in a future version. Another example, a hidden failure for a hardware system might be that a component is slowly degrading. The component may still be working, but it is not working as well as it used to. This could eventually lead to a failure.

Component Failure

The top layer of the pyramid is the component failure. This is a failure of an individual component. This failure can be caused by a number of factors, such as wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or environmental factors. Component Failure is a failure that occurs in a single component of a system or service.

For example, a hard drive failure in a computer system. Another example, a component failure for a hardware system might be that a hard drive fails. This would prevent the system from accessing the data on the hard drive.

Functional Failure

The topmost layer of the pyramid is the functional failure. This is a failure of the system to meet its requirements. This failure can be caused by a number of factors, such as a component failure, a hidden failure, or a pre-condition to failure. Functional Failure is the most visible type of failure. It is a failure that prevents a system or service from performing its intended function.

For example, a website that is down due to a power outage is experiencing a functional failure. Another example, a functional failure for a software system might be that the system crashes. This would prevent users from using the system.

The pyramid illustrates that functional failures are the most visible type of failure, but they are often caused by hidden failures or component failures. Pre-condition to failures can make functional failures more likely.

It is important to understand the different types of failures so that you can identify and address the root causes of failures. By addressing the root causes of failures, you can prevent functional failures from occurring in the future.

The pyramid shows how these different types of failures are related. Pre-condition to failure is at the bottom of the pyramid, because it is the foundation for all other types of failures. Hidden failures and component failures are in the middle of the pyramid, because they can lead to functional failures. Functional failures are at the top of the pyramid, because they are the most visible type of failure.

It is important to understand the different types of failures so that you can prevent them from happening. By identifying and addressing pre-condition to failures, hidden failures, and component failures, you can help to prevent functional failures from occurring.

The failure pyramid is a useful tool for understanding the different types of failures and how they can cascade. By understanding the different types of failures, you can take steps to prevent them from occurring or to mitigate their impact.