Working With the Risk Matrix

Here is an example of a risk matrix:

The x-axis [4] shows the severity, and the y-axis [1] shows the occurrence probability rating.
Directly below the risk matrix, there is a table summarizing the key figures of the malfunctions. If this
table is not visible, extend the view by clicking and dragging the lower line further down.

The first six columns of the table are: malfunction, function, system element, actions, classification,
significance rating.

Next, you can see the occurrence rating, detection rating and RPN for the assigned construction actions
[5], for the operation actions [6] and for the service actions [7].

Below the table, there is a counter [2] showing the number of malfunctions that are shown in the table.

Filtering options for the table:

Directly above the table, there is a filter [3] where you can enter text to filter for certain objects.
You can click on a square in the risk matrix. (De-select the square by clicking on one of the white
squares.) You can select multiple squares at once by holding Ctrl while clicking.
You can click on the filter button [8] in the right upper corner of the view. This opens the "Choose
action groups" dialog.

One application of the filter feature is to compare action groups in terms of changes to the ratings. A suitably revised action group may, for example, produce better detection ratings. In order to obtain meaningful results from such comparisons, action groups should apply to malfunctions at the same level. In most scenarios, the filter parameters should probably be chosen to be identical or almost identical across the action groups under review (as illustrated in the screenshot above), although the ideal choice depends on your specific purpose. Risk matrices should be reviewed individually to avoid misleading conclusions.

Note that in the Preferences menu you have options to adjust the size and to hide columns. You can also
change the style of the risk matrix from the VDA style (red, yellow and green) to the RG style (red and
green). You can change the detection value split for the RG style. You can decide which squares of the
risk matrix have which color. You do this by selecting a square, and then clicking on one of the buttons
labeled with a color name. You can select multiple squares at once by holding Ctrl while clicking.

A right-click in the table below the matrix opens a context menu:

Go To - Opens the FMEA editor and shows the selected object.
Configure table - Opens a dialog with check boxes that can show or hide certain columns.
Reset to default - Resets your choice about which columns you wanted to show or hide.
Show text filter - Here you can show or hide the "Enter filter text" field above the table.
Export table - This exports the table to Excel.
Export selection - Opens the selected part of the table in Excel.

To better filter your malfunctions, go to the Malfunction analysis by clicking on
the tab Malfunction analysis at the bottom of the view.