I don't want to leave any special characteristics of the
DFMEA. I have a long standing battle going on with my Product Engineering department. I feel, and I believe I am correct, that all special characteristics should be identified on the DFMEA. As input to the DFMEA the voice of the customer should be considered. So, that obviously means that any customer-designated special characteristics must be included. Another input would be similar products & lessons learned from previous programs. So, I would think that any known special characteristics from similar products that could be applicable should also be included in the DFMEA. Finally, the DFMEA is a living document (contrary to what my engineers may think). As they continue through the design phase additional characteristics may be identified as "special" - these should be added to the DFMEA.
The only thing my engineers agree with me on is the requirement for customer-designated special characteristics.
I have asked my registrar, who has provided me with his interpretation in writing, and have presented his answer to the engineers. They responded to me that that was just his "interpretation" and that if you asked someone else their interpretation may be different. I felt like I was in the Clinton hearings (it all depends on what your definition of "is" is). But, I digress.
The only way I am going to be able to resolve this issue is to either find a requirement in writing or just wait until they get a nonconformance, which I'd rather not do.