Design Review Based on Failure Mode (DRBFM)

Design Review Based on Failure Mode (DRBFM) is a methodology used to evaluate proposed changes to an existing design. It was developed by Tatsuhiko Yoshimura, working with Toyota Motor Corporation. DRBFM uses a worksheet modeled after the FMEA worksheet but the two methods are not identical. Some of the relevant differences include:

DRBFM usually focuses on changes to an existing design.
DRBFM focuses on "points of concern" to the engineers.
DRBFM follows the GD3 philosophy:
- Good Design
- Good Discussion
- Good Design Review
The structure of the DRBFM analysis worksheet is somewhat different than the typical worksheets for FMEA.

Although some organizations may choose to perform DRBFM instead of FMEA, most practitioners start with a baseline FMEA and then use the DRBFM worksheet for evaluating the risks that might be introduced by changes to the original design.

Tip: The DRBFM Analysis in RCM++ provides a configurable worksheet for design review based on failure mode, including the option to select functions that will be transferred from an existing FMEA and the ability to update the FMEA with new information from the DRBFM.