What analysis should new product design teams perform early in the design process?

In the context of new product development, conducting a Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) early in the design process is essential. DFMEA serves as a systematic approach for identifying potential failure modes within a product design and assessing their possible effects on the overall system. This analysis allows teams to prioritize risks associated with various design aspects based on their severity and likelihood of occurrence.

By implementing DFMEA early, teams can proactively address potential issues before they escalate into significant problems during manufacturing or after product launch. This process encourages the identification of weaknesses in design, informs necessary design modifications, and enhances the reliability and safety of the final product.

Other options, while relevant to product development, serve different purposes. Risk Assessment looks at broader risks, not just those specific to design failure, while Cost-Benefit Analysis focuses on financial implications rather than technical design concerns. Capacity Planning ensures manufacturing capabilities align with production demands but does not directly address design vulnerabilities.