Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is often underutilized in many companies. The key is to catch failures before they happen, thus reducing costs in the long run. Reducing costs while keeping quality up is an indicator for success in this global economy.

Companies use FMEA for a variety of reasons. Some just do it because they “have to”—i.e., their customers or government regulations require it. Sometimes FMEA is done simply to address someone else’s needs. Whatever the reason, the most effective and functional approach for implementing FMEA is to use a software solution to help manage the overall process.

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