What is DFMEA/PFMEA?

DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) are systematic, proactive hazard analysis techniques used to identify potential failures in a design (DFMEA) or a manufacturing/assembly process (PFMEA) before they occur. DFMEA focuses on identifying potential failure modes of a product's design, their causes, and their effects on the customer or downstream processes. PFMEA focuses on potential failures in the manufacturing or assembly process, their causes, and their effects on product quality and reliability. Both techniques involve a team-based approach to brainstorm potential failures, assess their severity, occurrence, and detection, and then prioritize actions to mitigate the highest-risk failures. They are commonly used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical devices, to improve product and process quality, reliability, and safety.