We often read about numerous high-profile examples of product recalls. Such recalls happen due to poorly designed products and / processes. These failures are discussed with manufacturers, service providers and suppliers and are being depicted as incapable of providing a safe product. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, or FMEA, is a methodology aimed at allowing organizations to anticipate failure during the design / manufacturing stage by identifying all of the possible failures in a design or manufacturing process.

FMEA is not a substitute for good engineering. Rather, it enhances good engineering by applying the knowledge and experience of a Cross Functional Team (CFT) to review the design progress of a product or process by assessing its risk of failure. Historically, the sooner a failure is discovered, the less it will cost. If a failure is discovered late in product development or launch, the impact is exponentially more devastating. FMEA is one of many tools used to discover failure at its earliest possible point in product or process design.

Keeping this is view, Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association (IMTMA) is organizing a 5 day interactive programme on "How to become an effective FMEA Practitioner as per combined AIAG & VDA Version". 

This programme will benefit practicing engineers and senior technical personnel involved in the functions of Design and Development, Process Planning, Product Engineering, Application engineering, Quality Assurance, R&D, Manufacturing, Servicing etc., and other related areas from Machine Tool, Automobile & auto ancillaries, Tool rooms, Defence and Railway establishments, General Engineering and other Capital goods manufacturing industries. In order that the participation is effective and beneficial, it is recommended that participating companies depute a multi-disciplinary team of 2 or 3 people from the above functions. Participants should have knowledge of related products and processes.

This program will be conducted by Mr. M. C. Ramakrishnan, Former Vice President - Quality, Bosch Limited.

Mr. Ramakrishnan is an industry expert with over 40 years of experience in the field of quality tools like Six Sigma, SPC, MSA, Poka - Yoke, etc. He is a trained ISO 9001 and TS 16949 auditor, trained six sigma black belt as well as an FMEA moderator. He has championed a number of Quality Improvement projects at Bosch. He was associated with Bosch's campaign and pursuit for 5S, Poka Yoke, SPC, MSA & TPM initiatives