2. Plan the approach and define the subject

Launching an FMECA involves management, and presupposes the means to carry it out and apply the resulting solutions. It is therefore necessary to clarify the following points.

• Which product and which application? Limit the FMECA to one product and one phase of its life cycle, application or use, then you can extend the analysis.

• What's the objective? Do you need to achieve a specific result (customer requirement, competition...)?

• What resources and timeframe? Make sure you have a budget for the project and that the participants are available.

• How much latitude? As an FMECA can lead to significant changes to the design, check that the project's resources and deadlines are compatible with these possible changes.