FMEA - Definition, Training, Software Solution
FMEA is the abbreviation for a failure mode and effects analysis. The term impact analysis is also frequently used as an abbreviated designation. The application of this procedure is called FMEA analysis. The analysis helps to detect and avoid errors in the production process in time. A company that uses the analysis procedure to eliminate errors benefits from cost savings that are not to be sneezed at.
Failure mode and effects analysis is supported by suitable FMEA software with associated FMEA training. Here, those responsible receive all the information they need to use the process, as well as useful tips for creating an effective FMEA. In addition, FMEA AIAG/VDA offers a new standardized procedure to be able to deliver their products faster to European and non-European countries.
General Conditions for the Application of FMEA
The use of the FMEA procedure and FMEA software requires that the company creates the appropriate conditions.
First of all, the company must determine what it wants to investigate with the defect detection procedure. The application of the procedure can refer to the manufacturing process as well as to the product itself. After defining the goal, the scope of application must also be clarified. For example, the use of the FMEA software can be limited to those parts of a production process that pose the highest risk. Furthermore, it must be determined how far the analysis is to go. If the risks are clearly identifiable and clear structures result from the production process, the FMEA procedure does not have to go as far as with more complicated production processes.
The user of the procedure must be assured of the support of the company management. In this context, the management assumes various functions. It assembles a competent FMEA team from as many areas involved in the process as possible. Changes to the process flow must be approved by the company management. Once the procedure has been completed, the results of the analysis must be approved for further development of the production process. During an FMEA training course, the prerequisites for using the FMEA are examined in detail. Participants are also familiarized here with the new harmonization process of the FMEA VDA.
Application Areas of FMEA
The procedure for analysis, detection and avoidance of defects is mainly used in product development. It is used either for new production processes or if an already existing production process - e.g. by the use of new technologies - is to be changed. The development of FMEA software is also geared to these areas of application. During the FMEA analysis a strategy is developed, with which one can recognize errors in the production process and eliminate immediately afterwards.
The software solution and the application of FMEA VDA are supported by FMEA training. Here, participants learn, among other things, how to correctly assess an identified risk, narrow down the critical sub-areas and focus on avoiding errors.
Importance of the AIAG/VDA Alignment
To support a successful Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the American Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) in 2019 have developed a quality management system that can be applied not only in the automotive industry, but also in other industries.
Also in a FMEA training, the alignment of the analysis of risks in the fault chain forms a main part of the instruction, in addition to the in-depth aspects of the FMEA VDA. An FMEA software also supports the results of AIAG/VDA. The goal of the program is to ensure the most trouble-free production possible and to manufacture products that meet all customer requirements. With the creation of the conditions necessary for the application of the FMEA, another advantage of the FMEA software can be mentioned.
Changes in the Alignment
The main advantage of the AIAG/VDA alignment process is that the procedure for detecting defects has been standardized. The previous five process steps have been expanded to seven analysis phases. For the evaluation of risks, FMEA software provides standardized scales.
The procedure for risk identification and defect prevention has been further modified by the fact that VDA and AIAG rely on effective knowledge management. By using know-how that already exists within the company, internal processes can be structured without great expense. This also has a direct impact on the company's cost structure.
All changes in the standardisation process are covered in detail during FMEA training.
Advantages of a Software Solution
FMEA software, in addition to specially offered FMEA training courses, offers the best prerequisite for being able to implement an FMEA analysis professionally. The risk management can be used in all areas of the production process. In addition, FMEA software also addresses the changes in FMEA VDA. In this way, users can take advantage of all the benefits of a functioning risk management software and save their company costs.
Necessity of FMEA Training
The FMEA software provides excellent support for identifying failures in a production process. Nevertheless, the necessity of an FMEA cannot be ignored. During an FMEA training course, participants are provided with a program that enables them to carry out the complete analysis procedure in a professional manner. In addition to the basics of the FMEA methods VDA and AIAG, the contents include in particular risk identification and risk assessment. Thus, training in addition to the use of the FMEA software becomes an indispensable necessity.
Conclusion
During a production process, errors can always creep in and have a negative impact on the quality of the products. In order to keep production costs under control, intensive failure mode and effects analysis is essential.
FMEA software and FMEA training make an irreplaceable contribution when companies implement FMEA in their operations. The software offered is usually risk management software that supports the user in all areas of FMEA analysis.
FMEA training helps to ensure that the harmonization process of FMEA VDA is implemented in a professional manner. In order to be able to react appropriately to further innovations in the development of the analysis procedures, users of FMEA should participate in training at regular intervals.