RIEproces

RIEproces is a structured framework used in risk-informed engineering to guide decision-making in safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. It provides a repeatable method for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks in complex systems and processes.

The acronym RIE is commonly interpreted as Risk identification, Impact assessment, and Evaluation of mitigations, but the exact terms vary by organization. The process prioritizes traceability from scope definition to monitoring outcomes and is designed to be adaptable across industries.

Core cycle: initiation (scope, roles, objectives), identification (hazards, failure modes, risk scenarios), evaluation (risk ranking, severity, likelihood, cost-benefit), mitigation and implementation (controls, design changes, process improvements), verification and monitoring (performance metrics, audits, reviews).

Governance and documentation: outputs include risk registers, action plans, and decision records; change control and versioning are integral to maintain alignment with standards and external regulations.

Applications: used in manufacturing, construction, energy, software-intensive projects, and other domains where safety or regulatory compliance is critical. Organizations often tailor RIEproces to their internal risk management frameworks and applicable standards.

Limitations: it can be resource-intensive and dependent on data quality and stakeholder input. Without flexibility, it can impede innovation; combining RIE with agile methods is common.

See also: risk management, FMEA, HAZOP, safety case.