The AIAG-VDA FMEA Handbook committee and everyone who responded to the request for comment on the proposed AIAG-VDA failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) manual must be applauded for their efforts. Harmonizing the VDA and AIAG FMEA methods is not an easy task. According to industry sources, there were 4,000 or more comments on the proposed handbook. I believe this shows two things. First, people recognize the importance of the document. Second, they believe significant changes are required.

The critical question that must be answered is how to proceed. Everyone on the committee is involved in the automotive industry. They know that before one designs a manufacturing process, they must first decide what they want to manufacture. In most cases, if the produced product is within specification, the method of manufacturing used is not important. The only exceptions would be if the manufacturing process violated a law, was unsafe, or harmed the environment.

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