FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What we do, how engagements run, and what to expect from working with us. Questions about a specific service or industry are answered on that page.
About Fortitron
What does Fortitron do?
Fortitron is an engineering consultancy focused on engineering readiness, design assurance, and risk reduction. We help organizations identify and address design, manufacturing, and technology risks early through FMEAs, risk assessments, robustness analyses, design reviews, and readiness assessments.
Our goal is simple: find and address potential problems early, when changes are easier and less costly to make.
What industries do you serve?
Our experience is rooted in aerospace and automotive engineering, with capabilities that apply across defense, advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, and other complex engineered products and systems.
The principles of engineering readiness, risk management, FMEA, and design assurance are highly transferable across industries.
What is FERF™?
FERF™ is the Fortitron Engineering Readiness Framework, an integrated approach to Technology Readiness, Engineering Assurance, and Manufacturing Readiness.
Rather than treating these as separate or sequential activities, FERF™ brings them together throughout development so risks, gaps, and readiness issues can be identified and addressed earlier.
How big is Fortitron?
Fortitron is a specialized engineering consultancy built around direct access to senior engineering expertise. The person who scopes your engagement remains closely involved in delivering it.
For larger programs requiring additional capacity, we assess those needs upfront and structure the engagement accordingly.
Services and methods
What is a DFMEA, in plain terms?
A Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) is a structured process for identifying how a design could fail, understanding the potential consequences, and prioritizing the risks that need engineering attention.
Done well, a DFMEA does more than document known concerns. It challenges the design, asks the right questions, and helps uncover potential problems before they become costly.
Do we need a DFMEA, a PFMEA, or a risk assessment?
A DFMEA focuses on risks within the product design. A PFMEA focuses on risks within the manufacturing or production process. A risk assessment provides a broader evaluation when the source or nature of the risk is not yet clear.
In some cases, a risk assessment may identify the need for a more focused DFMEA or PFMEA. If you are unsure where to start, an initial scoping discussion can help determine the right approach.
Do you use our templates or your own?
We use your existing templates wherever possible, including customer-mandated formats. If you do not have an established format, we can provide one based on recognized industry practices.
Our goal is to strengthen the engineering analysis, not introduce unnecessary changes to the way your team works.
Do you deliver training as well as facilitation?
Yes. Formal training is available in DFMEA and related engineering risk disciplines. In addition, our facilitated FMEA sessions naturally include a degree of practical, hands-on training as we work with your team through the process.
Engagements and logistics
How long does a risk assessment take?
A focused risk assessment typically takes three to five weeks, including document review, stakeholder discussions, facilitated sessions, analysis, and reporting.
Larger or program-level assessments may take longer and are typically phased to prioritize the areas of greatest risk or concern.
Do you provide remote consulting?
Yes. Fortitron provides remote, on-site, and hybrid consulting depending on the needs of the engagement.
Document reviews, planning, analysis, reporting, and follow-up can be performed effectively remotely, while certain facilitated engineering sessions may benefit from being conducted on-site with the team and hardware present.
Which countries do you support?
Fortitron is based in the United States and primarily supports U.S. programs. We also work with international clients where appropriate, through remote, on-site, or hybrid engagements.
For projects involving export-controlled technologies or information, eligibility and requirements are reviewed during the initial scoping process.
Can you work on ITAR-controlled or classified programs?
Potentially. Support for ITAR-controlled or classified programs depends on the specific access, personnel, security, and facility requirements of the engagement.
These requirements are reviewed during the initial scoping discussion to determine whether Fortitron can appropriately support the program.
How much does an engagement cost?
Engagement costs vary depending on the scope, complexity, and duration of the work. Rather than publish generic pricing, we provide a quote based on the specific needs of your program.
Our initial scoping call is free and typically provides enough information to define the engagement and provide an estimated cost before you commit.
Working together
What happens on a scoping call?
We discuss your program, its current stage, and the engineering challenges or risks you are facing. From there, we determine whether Fortitron can help, what the engagement might involve, and where we can add the most value.
The scoping call is free and carries no obligation. If we believe you do not need our services, we will tell you.
Will you sign a non-disclosure agreement?
Yes. Fortitron will sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) when appropriate, typically before detailed technical or proprietary information is shared.
Protecting our clients' confidential information is an important part of every engagement.
Do you certify, audit, or represent us to a regulator?
No. Fortitron is an engineering consultancy, not a certification body, registrar, or regulatory representative.
Our role is to strengthen the engineering analysis, evidence, and design rationale that support certification and audit activities, while working alongside your internal teams and designated authorities.
What if we only need a second opinion on one decision?
That is absolutely something we can support. Fortitron provides independent technical reviews and second opinions on specific engineering decisions, risks, or concerns.
There is no minimum engagement size. Sometimes a focused, independent review at the right time can provide significant value before an important decision becomes difficult or costly to change.
Questions about a specific service
- DFMEA Facilitation
- PFMEA Services
- Engineering Risk Assessment
- Design Verification
- Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) Assessment
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Assessment
- Product Development Consulting
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Questions about an industry
Still have a question?
The scoping call is free, and we will tell you if we think you do not need us.