Narrow(er) FOCUS

摘要

When teaching failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), I start by determining who in the class has participated in creating one. Typically, more than half of the students raise their hands. Next, I ask how useful or accurate their FMEAs were. Responses usually include grumbling, a few shrugged shoulders and at least one thumbs-down. Rarely do I receive a positive response. Finally, I ask how much fun the FMEAs were. This question always produces a round of laughter and more thumbs-downs. Virtually everyone recognizes the potential value, power and utility of FMEAs, but rarely do they see that potential realized. Frequently, I hear creating an FMEA is time consuming, torturous and often confrontational, and the end product never meets expectations. Team members become tired and frustrated, and the overarching goal evolves into simply finishing it. If you feel an affinity, rejoice. It doesn't have to be this way.