Creating a strong FMEA isn’t just about filling templates—it’s about facilitating meaningful discussions with cross-functional experts. That’s where the role of the FMEA Moderator becomes crucial.
In this article, you’ll discover the common pitfalls in moderating FMEA sessions and how to apply best practices for successful facilitation using the AIAG-VDA methodology.
🚫 Common Mistakes in FMEA Moderation
1. Acting as the “Owner” Instead of a Facilitator
Moderators should guide discussions, not provide all answers or dominate decision-making.
2. No Cross-Functional Participation
DFMEAs and PFMEAs must involve design, process, quality, production, and maintenance personnel.
3. Lack of Preparation
Walking into an FMEA session without process flows, part drawings, or structure diagrams wastes time and confuses teams.
4. Skipping Structure & Function Analysis
Jumping straight to failure modes leads to random and unstructured risk listing.
5. Poor Time Management
Trying to complete large FMEAs in one session leads to fatigue, incomplete ratings, or team disengagement.
6. No Action Tracking
Failing to document who’s responsible for what, and by when, causes action items to be lost or ignored.
✅ Best Practices in FMEA Moderation
1. Set the Scope & Objective Early
Clearly define which system/process is under review, and why this FMEA is being done (e.g., new launch, change, complaint).
2. Use Visual Aids
Bring process flows, CAD drawings, boundary diagrams, or past FMEAs to guide the session visually.
3. Plan Short, Focused Sessions
Break the FMEA into multiple sessions (max 90–120 mins) focused on 1–2 steps at a time.
4. Include the Right People
DFMEA? Invite design, systems, and validation teams.
PFMEA? Bring in manufacturing, process engineering, quality, and logistics.
5. Document in Real-Time
Capture team inputs directly into the FMEA sheet or software. Use color codes for open actions and highlight High AP items.
6. Follow Up on Actions
Moderation doesn’t end with the session. Set clear deadlines, review action status regularly, and close the loop.
7. Summarize and Share Learnings
End each session with a summary slide or mail: status of steps completed, open actions, and key risks.
🧠 Moderation Checklist
- Scope defined
- Structure & function reviewed
- Process flow/chart shared
- Ratings discussed as a team
- Actions assigned with owners and due dates
- AP reviewed and highlighted
- Post-meeting notes circulated
🎯 Tools to Help Moderators
- Excel Template with dropdowns, filters, and AP logic
- APIS IQ-RM for complex system moderation
- PLATO SCIO™ for cross-site collaboration
- Knowlence TDC for guided sessions with libraries
✅ Related Articles
- Common Mistakes in FMEA Creation
- Excel vs FMEA Software – Which to Use?
- FMEA and Control Plan Linkage
✅ FAQs
Q: Who should moderate an FMEA session?
A trained FMEA facilitator—usually from quality or engineering—with neutral ground to drive cross-functional discussions.
Q: How many people should attend?
Ideally 4–7. Keep it lean but diverse (e.g., design, quality, process, production).
Q: What if team members don’t participate?
Engage them with questions, visuals, and context. Share examples and explain the purpose of each step.
