Fighting failure with the Internet

Web-based collaborative methods facilitate the FMEA process 

By Valerie G. Caryer Cook and Ahad Ali

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) methods typically require assembling a team in an isolated environment to brainstorm and discuss candidate items. This physical assembly of a team has several aspects that can limit performance and feasibility. Furthermore, today’s globalization of new product development makes assembling key team members logistically difficult due to location and time-zone considerations. Internet technology can solve that problem and limit the negative effects that come with creating a team that must meet in one location. A set of guidelines, illustrated with a case study of an international FMEA project facilitated with a Google Groups website, can help organizations optimize their use of Web-based collaborative environments.