Client Testimonial from Mr. Orus Plana (HUTCHINSON) – 30 June 2026
What is your role and scope of responsibility?
I am a Design Quality Manager, reporting to the R&D department. I work within the FMS (Fluid Management System) activity of the HUTCHINSON Group, an activity focused 80% on the automotive sector, with the remainder covering the off-road sector (tractors, trucks, etc.).
I manage a team of three people based across three different sites. I also oversee a network of around fifteen key users worldwide, as well as occasional users.
We are specialists in facilitating Design FMEAs (DFMEAs). We support engineering teams throughout the product design process by providing methodological guidance and ensuring consistent application of the FMEA approach. We are involved in around one hundred design projects per year, as I am the methodological owner and have taken responsibility for global coordination.
What type of FMEA is used: product and/or process, and Control Plan? Across how many sites?
Robust Engineering Software is systematically used for all Design FMEAs worldwide, in accordance with the AIAG–VDA approach (AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook).
Robust Engineering Software is also made available to all plants for their Process FMEAs (AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook) and their Control Plans (AIAG Control Plan, 3rd Edition).
To date, we are continuing the gradual rollout of our standards, methodologies, and tools across our industrial sites, with the objective of ensuring continuous harmonization of practices at the business unit level. As a result, sites are progressively adopting Robust Engineering Software, as well as our standardized FMEA deliverables.
Since when have you been using our FMEA software?
The first Robust Engineering Software licenses (TDC FMEA) were purchased by HUTCHINSON around 2007. Personally, I have been using it for about ten years.
This has further facilitated the global deployment of Robust Engineering Software and our best practices.
How does the deployment with Knowllence take place?
I systematically use Knowllence e-learning training for every new member joining our team, and I also believe it will be very relevant for the manufacturing plants.
Blended learning sessions with Knowllence trainers are also regularly organized. For example, sessions are planned for early 2026 for the Sousse and Tangier plants.
How do you use the Block Boundary Diagram in Robust Engineering Software?
Initially, we questioned the value of integrating the Block Boundary Diagram, as it seemed to add a more structured and demanding step to FMEA workshops.
In 2023, BMW required the use of the Block Boundary Diagram within the FMEA process. We therefore tested it in the software and applied it during workshops. It turned out that teams really embraced this approach, as within Robust Engineering Software it is graphical, intuitive, and highly visual.
With hindsight, this approach has helped better structure discussions and improve the efficiency of workshops, while also making it easier for participants to engage.
It has now become our standard foundation for both structural and functional analysis in the software. We use it systematically, at both system (vehicle) level and component level.
Is Robust Engineering Software a support for engineering teams?
During working sessions, engineering teams can easily visualize the breakdown of the FMEA. The color display allows them to instantly identify the nature of the information:
• In black: structure
• In green: functions
• In blue: functional and technical characteristics
• In red: failure modes
This provides very concrete support for the teams.
The Block Diagram is a very powerful tool for helping teams understand the FMEA methodology according to the AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook. Robust Engineering Software makes the process much easier: instead of appearing almost “esoteric,” the FMEA approach becomes clear and intuitive, which greatly supports the work in Step 5.
Are you satisfied with the Robust Engineering Software FMEA tool?
I am satisfied with Robust Engineering Software, which effectively supports our daily work on automotive FMEAs. I have been using it for over ten years and have seen significant improvements in terms of ergonomics, user-friendliness, maturity, and methodology compared to the AIAG 4th Edition we used in the past.
Robust Engineering Software also sometimes serves as a communication tool for me.
We can easily share our new requirements and improvement ideas with Knowllence, and we are pleased to see them integrated into standard software updates. Robust Engineering Software evolves with our needs, without requiring any specific paid custom development.
Would you recommend Robust Engineering Software?
Yes, I would recommend Robust Engineering Software for FMEAs based on the AIAG–VDA FMEA Handbook.
I am satisfied with Knowllence. Our key account project manager is competent and attentive. Whenever we contact the hotline for issues or improvement requests, the response is good, both from the support team and the commercial team. Training sessions and e-learning are also well organized and responsive.
Overall, everything is working well — I wouldn’t change anything, honestly it runs smoothly.