All processes involved in the mass production of a product are evaluated. The goal is to find parameters that change with deviations caused by the process or design. These include material properties, design tolerances, manufacturing processes, and finishing operations.

All causes of deterioration of equipment components or materials over time are evaluated. The goal is to find those that can limit performance or cause system failure. These include corrosion, wear, build-up of impurities, loss of volatile materials, and break-down or aging of materials.

All ways customers can possibly use the product during its useful life period are evaluated. The goal is to find those things that they can possibly do to misuse it. This does not include a real misuse but rather a use not directly in line with recommendations. Possibilities include not adhering to service intervals, using inappropriate cleaning pressures or solutions, and adapting with unauthorized accessory kits or after-market parts. They also include using the produce for a different function or in a different environment than that for which the product was designed.

All environments in which the product can be used are evaluated. The goal is to find the environments that are likely to degrade the functionality of the product. Possibilities include extreme climates and corrosive environments.

All surrounding systems are evaluated. The goal is to find system interactions that can influence this system’s ability to operate properly. Possibilities include friction, heat, vibration, emissions, interference, or failure.