SAE J2886 Design Review Based on Failure Modes (DRBFM) Recommended Practice is intended for Automotive and Non-Automotive applications. It describes the basic principles and processes of DRBFM including planning, preparation, change point FMEA, design reviews, decisions based on actions completed, and feedback loops to other processes, such as design, validation and process guidelines (Appendix B - DRBFM Process Map).

The intent of each fundamental step of the DRBFM methodology is presented. It is intended for use by organizations whose product development processes currently (or intend to) use Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA) or DRBFM as a tool for assessing the potential risk and reliability of system elements (product or process) or as part of their product improvement processes.

DRBFM is not intended to replace FMEA however, companies interested in adopting DRBFM will benefit from the focus on specific change points and supporting engineering decisions based on detailed discussions. DRBFM is a change in company culture that requires management commitment to changing the mind set of employees to drill deep and continually ask the question "What Else". The DRBFM user is responsible for following this recommended practice as well as corporate policies. Alternative documentation formats are provided to meet the intent of the recommended practice.

The purpose of SAE J2886 is to establish a basic understanding of the DRBFM process in order to promote the value of the DRBFM method and mind set. The DRBFM value is in the mind set of promoting good design, good discussion and good design review to find "deeper" risks. The reader should be aware that the DRBFM process should mature with usage, thus there is no one perfect process. The process description outlined below is a suggested starting point to be refined over time by the user and to be refined as the culture, creativity and knowledge of the user matures.