Functions

In an FMEA or RCM, the functions typically state what the item or process is intended to do, usually to a given standard of performance or requirement.

To access the commands to add or edit function records, right-click inside the FMEA hierarchy or worksheet, or use the Functions commands on the FMEA tab of the ribbon. (See FMEA Tab for a complete list.)

The properties enabled (and their display names) will depend on the interface style for the current project. To view or change these settings, choose Project > Management > Configurable Settings > Interface Style.

Note the following:

• The Description is required.

• The Name will be used in locations where the full description would be too long to display (e.g., diagrams). If the field contains an asterisk (*) or is blank when you save the record, the software automatically uses the first 50 characters of the full description.

• The #, ID, Source Record, Associated Records, History and ribbon commands are similar for any FMEA record type. (See FMEA Records.)

• The following fields are intended to allow users to follow the AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook released in 2019. They can be enabled/disabled, as a group, for function records via the interface style.
  • Next Higher Level Item: The immediate parent item for the current system hierarchy item. This field is automatically populated; if the current item is a top-level item, "N/A" will be displayed. This field is not displayed in the FMEA worksheet view.
  • Next Higher Level Function: Allows you to specify the function of the Next Higher Level Item that is most relevant to the current function. Generally, it will be easiest to populate this field via the Select Existing Text window; by default, the filters in that window will be set to show the functions that belong to the parent item.
  • Next Lower Level Item: Allows you to specify the current system hierarchy item's immediate child item of interest in the context of the current function. Generally, it will be easiest to populate this field via the Select Existing Text window; by default, the filters in that window will be set to show the immediate child items of the current system hierarchy item.
  • Next Lower Level Function: Allows you to specify the function of the specified Next Lower Level Item that is most relevant to the current function. Generally, it will be easiest to populate this field via the Select Existing Text window; by default, the filters in that window will be set to show the functions that belong to the Next Lower Level Item that you have specified.

Tip: You can specify for a default function to be created for all new items added to the System panel by choosing File > Application Setup and selecting the Create a default function for new items option on the Settings page of the Application Setup.