A couple comments to elements in this thread:
First- The thread began with the question of exporting FMEAplus files to Excel. Even Ford Motor Company (the originator of FMEAplus) explored this option and rejected it. As one respondent in this thread said "danger..." That was a factor in Ford's decision. Ford decided quite some time ago that they would NOT update FMEAplus again and would seek another solution. In the intervening time, they HAVE lost the code for FMEAplus. Regardless, they have finally begun the rollout of their replacement
FMEA software which of course, imports the old FMEAplus files and is totally compliant with AIAG Third Edition. Note- it can also export to Excel, should you need to for any reason. Wat did they chose - Byteworx FMEA- Ford's worldwide choice for FMEA software. It is also being marketed by SAE. For information or a demo contact either Byteworx.com or SAE.org
Second: Major changes in the Third Edition were
A) the form (splitting the Detection and Prevention Controls)
B) the rating tables (especially Design and Process Occurrence and Process Detection)
C) the incorporation of the "Working Model" to drive Recommended Actions earlier in the FMEA development and to de-emphasize RPN.
D) Renewed emphasis on a team developing the FMEA
E) There are also definition changes - mostly more subtle.
Third: The external auditors are just catching up with the Third Edition from my experience.
Fourth: RPNs WILL tend to go up in PFMEAs using the new tables. For any group with RPN thresholds or bogeys, (a dangerous strategy) this will be unpalatable. Thus in the Third edition there are several places where there is a mention that the priority for action is:
Severity
Severity*Occurrence
then on RPN