Hi,
Excel is for sure the most popular tool for beginners. It is very likely that sooner or later users will find out that either one of the following aspects will give them arguments to switch to a more professional tool:
- Excel has to be programmed, configured and maintained
- Excel will not allow “global” search and analysis
- Excel has only a poor support regarding re-use and knowledge management
- Excel will not prevent users from misunderstanding the
FMEA methodology
From the moment you want to become more productive you have to switch to a more professional tool. Some of them will give you the possibility to import XLS-Data.
If you are looking for a system which stores information in files under operating system control (like Excel) you should take a look at APIS IQ-FMEA. In addition a server (= APIS CARM-Server) can manage central modules which can be integrated into FMEA. The server is optional.
APIS has established a leadership position in Germany for FMEA software (= more than 1000 customer companies) with these tools and with a user interface in 9 languages (in 2009) this tool is spreading all over the world.
Sorry that I have to focus on only one software tool for FMEA which has not been mentioned in the discussion so far. You will understand this knowing that I'm getting my salary from APIS.
Jürgen
BTW IQ-FMEA can import XLS FMEA