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The purpose of a risk priority number (RPN) in Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is to quantify risk associated with failure modes. RPN is calculated by multiplying three factors: the severity of the failure, the likelihood of occurrence, and the ability to detect the failure before it reaches the customer. By quantifying these aspects, organizations can prioritize which failure modes need urgent attention or corrective action based on their potential impact on product performance or safety. This systematic approach allows teams to focus their resources effectively on the highest risks, thereby improving overall quality and reliability.

Other options focus on unrelated aspects of project management and quality assurance. For instance, tracking project completion rates and summarizing quality audit results do not provide a framework for evaluating and managing risks associated with potential failures. Similarly, assessing customer satisfaction levels pertains more to measuring service or product performance from the customer’s perspective, which is distinct from identifying and mitigating risks through FMEA. By concentrating on quantifying risk, RPN plays a crucial role in proactive quality management and continuous improvement efforts.