A study into the use of the process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA) in the automotive industry in the UK

This paper describes a study made into the application of PFMEA in a sample of suppliers to an automotive manufacturing company in the UK. The objectives of the research were to study the concerns and inhibitors that PFMEA users have, establish how the effectiveness could be determined, evaluate PFMEA use as a problem prevention technique and to recommend best practice. The research methodology included the use of interviews, workshops and questionnaires involving 150 quality approved suppliers. Conclusions were drawn to show that the PFMEA technique has its limitations, caused by a number of issues. Recommendations for overcoming these limitations of the PFMEA process are presented.