On August 20, 2008 at 1:00 PM EDT, IQC will hold a Webinar on the new edition of the AIAG’s Potential Failure Modes & Effects Analysis. This is the fourth edition of the reference manual.

The new Potential Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) Reference Manual, Fourth Edition, can improve the management of risks associated with product and process failure modes.

FMEA is one of the Automotive Quality Core Tools developed by representatives of Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

Methods described in the new reference manual include those applicable to the DFMEA (product design at the system, subsystem, interface and component level) and to the PFMEA (process control at manufacturing and assembly operations).

Improvements incorporated in the FMEA Reference Manual, Fourth Edition, include:

• New format for improved readability, including an index, visual cues, and icons to indicate key paragraphs
• Additional examples and text to provide a clearer explanation of the steps to develop a robust failure mode analysis
• Reinforcement of the need for management participation in, and support of, the FMEA process
• Clarification of the linkage between DFMEA and PFMEA, as well as, linkages to the other core tools, such as APQP
• Improved clarity in definition of the Severity, Occurrence, and Detection ranking tables to calculate RPN
• An introduction to the alternative methods currently being applied in industry
• Additional appendices include example forms and special case applications of FMEA
• "Standard form" focus replaced with options representative of current applications of FMEA
• Clarifications are provided in the use of RPN, including alternative methodologies

An emphasis on problem prevention is included to eliminate the sources of failures. This has many advantages:

• Improved quality, reliability, and safety of a product/process
• Early identification and elimination of potential failure modes
• Reduced system development timing and cost
• Reduced potential for warranty concerns
• Increased customer satisfaction
• Reduced need for inspection

The instructor is George H. Hummel who is a Member of the US TAG to ISO/TC 176 and Core Tool Master Trainer.