The AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook

AIAG and VDA have collaborated to completely rewrite their Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) manuals into a single AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook, using a process-oriented approach to meet the requirements of both industry groups.  The AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook (first of the core tool series), was released in June 2019.  This publication replaces the current AIAG FMEA Manual 4th Edition. The purpose of the FMEA is to take actions to eliminate or reduce failures, starting with the highest-priority ones. Failures are prioritized according to how serious their consequences are, how frequently they occur and how easily they can be detected.

What’s different in the AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook?

The handbook will include updated tools to handle product and process optimization, product complexity, and increases in product liability.  It will also incorporate best practices, improved examples and functional safety and includes a new section for FMEA MSR (Monitoring & System Response) that addresses mechatronic system errors (dashboard warnings).

The objective is to enable suppliers to effectively address technical risks during the Product and Process Development process by developing a robust and complete DFMEA and PFMEA to meet the needs of all customers.  The handbook harmonizes AIAG and VDA FMEA methodologies, aligning OEM requirements, including new severity, occurrence and detection criteria within the ranking tables. It also includes a seventh step for communicating actions taken to reduce risks.

A Sneak Peek at the 7-Step Approach

This simpleQuE infographic provides a sneak peek at the 7-step approach for FMEA development which is more structured and increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the multidisciplinary team. This approach provides a framework for documentation of technical risks that utilizes:

• Technical terms to describe failure modes and its potential causes
• Failure effects to describe technical consequences of failures, and
• A focus element-upper level – lower level approach for a comprehensive review of risks

What should you do to prepare for this new approach?

AIAG and VDA created a whitepaper that explains this and other important changes to the FMEA.  Review handbook  and identify any gaps within your FMEA development process to determine how to meet the new requirements.  This will include appropriate training for those who have an impact on the development and support of FMEAs.  For customized, onsite AIAG & VDA FMEA and AIAG Core Tools training and information contact simpleQuE.  Let our automotive experts partner with you as you roll out your FMEA upgrades to meet automotive customer demand and take your FMEA risk analysis to a higher level.