Determining Feasibility

Feasibility analysis is an evaluation which is based on a series of assessments. The objective is to determine if a design can be manufactured, assembled, tested, packed, and transported while maintaining acceptable quality standards.

For a design to be proven "feasible" it must be capable of facilitating planned production volumes and schedules. The design must meet engineering requirements, quality and reliability criteria, unit cost objectives, and desired timing.

In addition, because of globalization, at this stage it is also important to be familiar with the customs regulations of the country of origin or transport. Different countries require quite different paper trails for transport, and, as a consequence, delays may be encountered, causing deliveries to be late.

Feasibility analysis is required from design conception through engineering release.

Design FMEA and Design Feasibility

The design FMEA, as a technique for identifying potential problems, is essential to determining design feasibility. Without the identification of probable problems and an early capability assessment of high risk priority items, product/process control is unlikely. Table 11 displays a typical sample of a feasibility information checklist for a design FMEA.