Can Microsoft Access be used to create a DFMEA?

Question

I'd like to create a DFMEA database that will organize multiple inputs. If I create a database with every possible specification or failure mode, I want to be able to use Access to filter out all those that do not apply. The resultant DFMEA would only show the item functions and failure modes that pertain to a given product.

Answer 1

I use a commercial product; Relex, which has its own proprietary database, but it is based on Access (at least it was in earlier versions). I also use Excel quite extensively, with Access databases storing basic component information, much like you want to do.

So the short answer is, yes you can use Access.

The longer answer is: based on my experience trying to do upkeep, maintenance, making it compatible with everchanging operating systems, don't do it. I first developed the applications under NT 4.0 and everytime Microsoft changes OS's or updates DAO to ADO to whatever the latest craze is, I have a nightmare trying to keep the thing alive.

Trust me -- use a commercial product, like Relex, or Mil-Stress, or one of several other products "out there", that is, unless you are a true Access guru (which I am not).

.