The State of the FMEA World – A Look Back and a Look Ahead

AI as a new colleague, personal exchange as an indispensable anchor. The 21st Osnabrück FMEA Forum impressively demonstrated where the FMEA world is heading. A look back at two days full of inspiration and a glimpse of what lies ahead.

The 21st Osnabrück FMEA Forum once again demonstrated how dynamically the FMEA landscape is evolving and how significantly technological, organizational, and social changes are influencing our daily work. With highly engaged participants, lively discussions, and numerous practical examples, this year’s event was all about taking stock together: Where do we stand, and where are we headed?

A major topic was the role of artificial intelligence in the engineering environment. AI is increasingly becoming a “new employee” in FMEA practice, but is still in an early training phase, comparable to an intern. The systems already provide selective support, but their true potential is only gradually unfolding. The central question for the future was therefore: How much of engineering will AI support in the future, and what role will FMEA play in this development?

We will not only accompany this journey but also help shape it and provide regular updates.

At the same time, it became clear that, despite all the technological advances, face-to-face interaction remains irreplaceable. Interactive work, collaborative thinking, and direct contact are essential elements of any FMEA project. Participants made it clear that they particularly value the lively dialogue and human collaboration at the forum. Digital interaction options—chat rooms, social networks, virtual discussion forums—usefully complement this exchange, but they are no complete substitute for in-person encounters.

Another trend that has been confirmed: remote participation in one- or multi-day events is here to stay. It offers flexibility, especially when travel costs are high or only select content is of interest. Nevertheless, the on-site experience remains unique in its depth and intensity.

The development of the FMEA tool landscape was also discussed with great interest. Technological advances, new assistance features, and the growing integration of AI are driving change in the market, amplified by investor mergers and strategic realignments among various providers. The momentum is clearly palpable, and the coming years promise exciting further developments in the application of these methods.
After two days filled with exchange, inspiration, and networking, the impression remains of an industry that is reinventing itself: self-assured, curious, and future-oriented.

Save the Date: 22nd Osnabrück FMEA Forum – March 3–4, 2027

We are pleased to invite you to the next forum!

Early Bird Discount:
Book by December 31, 2026, to take advantage of our early bird rate.