FMEA Implementation

Because of the general industry trend to continually improve products and
processes whenever possible, using the FMEA as a disciplined technique to
identify and help minimize potential concern is as important as ever. Studies
of vehicle campaigns have shown that fully implemented FMEA programs
could have prevented many of the campaigns.
One of the most important factors for the successful implementation of an
FMEA program is timeliness. It is meant to be a "before-the-event" action,
not an "after-the-fact" exercise. To achieve the greatest value, the FMEA
must be done before a product or process Failure Mode has been
incorporated into a product or process. Up front time spent properly
completing an FMEA, when product/process changes can be most easily and
inexpensively implemented, will minimize late change crises. An FMEA can
reduce or eliminate the chance of implementing a preventive/corrective
change, which would create an even larger concern. Communication and
coordination should occur between all types of FMEAs.