Affinity diagram as a risk analysis tool with support of fuzzy logic

Abstract

Paper is goaled to the area of a process risk analysis. A new approach based on the use of affinity diagram combined with fuzzy logic brings new light in this area. Combination of fuzzy logic and affinity diagram for a better solution of a risk analysis problem is presented in this paper. An affinity diagram for a process was created. Process steps, operations and potential failures in these parts of a process were estimated. Significance of the failures was described using fuzzy logic. This way made a deeper process analysis possible. Fuzzy logic combined with the affinity diagram provides in-depth review of the process and mainly shows the degree of an influence of the failures on further steps and operations of the process. It can detect occurrence of new failures as well. New approach based on combination of a risk analysis tool-affinity diagram-with support of fuzzy logic is generic and can be applied to any technological or production process. © 2013 American Scientific Publishers. All rights reserved.