Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic, proactive method for identifying and evaluating the potential failures of a product or process and implementing measures to mitigate or eliminate their effects. It is a tool that is commonly used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, to identify and prioritize potential failure modes and their associated effects on the system or product.
FMEA can be used at any stage of the product development process, from design to production to maintenance. It is often used during the design phase to identify potential failure modes and their impacts before a product is manufactured. It can also be used during the production phase to identify potential failure modes and their impacts on the production process, as well as during the maintenance phase to identify potential failure modes and their impacts on the product’s performance over time.
Overall, the best time to conduct an FMEA depends on the specific needs and goals of the product or process being analyzed. It is generally a good idea to conduct an FMEA early in the product development process to identify and address potential problems before they occur, but it can also be useful to conduct an FMEA at any stage of the product life cycle to identify and address potential problems as they arise.