Time is the scarcest resource, and unless it is managed, nothing else can be managed. Peter Drucker
Achieving high-quality FMEAs requires support from the right FMEA team. Getting the team to show up and participate to the fullest extent is critical to success.
This is the 14th FMEA Quality Objective, of a total of 14. Next month will be a summary article, putting it all together into an FMEA audit process.
Why is team participation essential?
In my article “Assembling the Correct FMEA Team,” I discuss why the right team is needed and the underlying reason for a cross-functional team.
In my article “Discussing the Controversial Subject of FMEA Pre-population,” I discuss how to decide what can and should not be pre-populated in an FMEA, and the role of the FMEA team on reviewing pre-populated fields.
What is the FMEA Quality Objective for time usage?
FMEA Quality Objective 14: Time spent by the FMEA team, as early as possible and focused on areas of concern, is an effective and efficient use of time, with a value-added result.
What is meant by effective and efficient use of time?
The definition of “effective” is “successful in producing a desired or intended result.” “Efficient” means “achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.” “Time” means “the measured period during which an action or process exists.” An “effective and efficient use of time” means for the period during which an FMEA team is assembled, the desired result is achieved, with minimal wasted effort.
Why is “effective and efficient use of time” important to FMEA quality?
Excellent FMEA results depends on effectively engaging the right FMEA team. If there is an effective and efficient use of FMEA team time, it ensures the best possible results. If the team’s time is wasted or not inefficiently used, it will be difficult to engage them in future meetings, and optimum results are not achieved. The team needs to feel their time is well used, and not wasted.
How can you evaluate FMEA Quality Objective 14?
You can ask each FMEA team member how well the time they spent supporting the FMEA was an effective and efficient use of their time, with a value-added result. And, then I listen.
What is an example of assessing Quality Objective for time usage?
As an example, I’ll use an excerpt from a fictitious Design FMEA on a bicycle handbrake to assess Quality Objective 14.
In this Design FMEA example, there are five team members. All five were interviewed and asked their feedback on how well the time they spent supporting the FMEA was an effective and efficient use of their time, with a value-added result. There responses were rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 was very poorly and 5 was excellent. Full responses were documented to generate improvement recommendations to the FMEA process.
- Bicycle handbrake design engineer (4)
- Bicycle system engineer (2)
- Bicycle handbrake test engineer (3)
- Bicycle field engineer (2)
- Bicycle handbrake assembly engineer (5)
The average score is “3.”
Tip
Make sure the FMEA team members know you want candid and honest feedback, and that their comments will kept anonymous.
Summary
A well-functioning FMEA team is essential to overall FMEA success. By valuing their time, and their contributions, the team will participate with their best thinking.
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