Someone has asked me a question, When do i start an FMEA??, i have always gone on the basis when it calls for it during project introduction? maybe i am wrong!!

Many Thanks
Gareth Twena

An FMEA (any level) should be begun as early as possible in the development stage of the product/process/service. When "properly" done, it is typically much cheaper to correct Failure Modes and/or their Causes.

If the FMEA is merely a "dog and pony show" document, it doesn't matter when it is put together.

See APQP Timeline (http://elsmar.com/APQP/sld030.htm)

There are also some slides in The FMEA Process (http://Elsmar.com/FMEA/)

Many thanks. I was correct in what i was saying but it always helps to get a bit more advise.

If you are going to use it as a tool, as intended, as early as possible. If it purely for PPAP compliance and will add no value to your operation, do it the night before the PPAP is due at home (not that I have ever done that.........................).

COMMENTARY: Don't spend hours contemplating whether the Severity is a 6 or a 7, etc., etc....... The big ticket items will rear their ugly head pretty easily. This can be such a good exercise when you don't get too wrapped up in the apparent intimidating format. Rots of ruck !

:biglaugh:

FMEA is principally a design tool used on both product and/or process design. It should be started as early in the design process as possible but obviously can only commence when you have a design 'proposal'.