When should an organisation transition to AIAG & VDA FMEA?

ITVC Global presents the Handbook's transition guidance below.

1.3.5 Transition Strategy — original excerpt

Existing FMEAs developed using the previous AIAG 4th Edition FMEA or "Product and Process FMEA" of VDA Edition, may remain in their original form for subcequent revisions.

The organization should thoughtfully plan the transition from their current FMEA process(es) and methods to the new AIAG VDA FMEA process and tools. When practical, existing FMEAs used as a starting point for new programs should be converted to reflect the new rating scales, analytical methods, and format. However, if the team determines that the new program is considered a minor change to the existing product, they may decide to leave the FMEA in the existing format.

New projects should follow the FMEA method presented in this Handbook unless company leadership and Customer Specific Requirements (CSRs) mandate a different approach. The transition date and project milestone after which new projects follow this method should be defined by the company taking into consideration customer specific requirements.

How to apply the transition guidance

1.3.5 Transition strategy

Existing FMEAs developed using the previous AIAG fourth-edition method or VDA's Product and Process FMEA approach may remain in their original format for subsequent revisions.

Organisations should plan the transition carefully. Where practical, an existing FMEA used as the starting point for a new programme should be converted to the new rating scales, analytical methods and format. If the team judges the new programme to be only a minor change to an existing product, it may decide to retain the current format.

New projects should use the Handbook's method unless company leadership and customer-specific requirements (CSRs) require another approach. The organisation should establish its transition date and project milestones while taking the applicable CSRs into account.

Existing production FMEAs may therefore be retained where permitted. For new programmes, determine the required approach and timing from the Handbook, company decisions and applicable CSRs; the transition is not a single unconditional deadline for every customer and project. (AIAG&VDA FMEA)

Related articles

AIAG & VDA FMEA training and implementation guidance

Changes introduced by AIAG & VDA FMEA

Six Automotive Core Tools: consulting and training

IATF 16949 consulting and training