Getting More Out of Process FMEAs

PFMEAs should be conducted:

On all new processes.

• PFMEAs should be conducted throughout the process design cycle beginning in the preliminary design stage.
• Revise the PFMEA in the pilot process stage, revise again in the final design stage, and finalize the PFMEA in the as-built stage.

Whenever a change is to be made to a process.

On existing processes.

• Use the Pareto Principle to decide which processes to work on first.

Make your FMEA a living document by adding to it and updating it whenever new information about the design or process develops.

FMEAs should be updated when:

• Product or process improvements are made.
• New failure modes are identified.
• New data regarding effects are obtained.
• Root causes are determined.

Link FMEAs to Control Plans.