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Import & Export

Bring existing FMEA data into NirmIQ and export compliant reports in industry-standard formats.

Excel Import​

Upload existing FMEA spreadsheets to create analyses automatically. Supports both NirmIQ template format and custom spreadsheets with column mapping.

Import Flow​

  1. Navigate to your project's FMEA Workspace
  2. Click "Import" in the Advanced FMEA header
  3. Upload your Excel file (.xlsx)
  4. Preview the first 5 rows and column headers
  5. Map columns to FMEA fields (or use auto-detect)
  6. Click "Import" to create the analysis

Using the NirmIQ Template​

For the smoothest import experience, download the NirmIQ template first:

  1. In the Import modal, click "Download Template"
  2. Select your FMEA type (DFMEA or PFMEA)
  3. Fill in the template with your data
  4. Upload — columns are automatically mapped

The template includes the standard AIAG-VDA columns: Structure Element, Function, Failure Mode, Effect, Severity, Cause, Prevention Controls, Occurrence, Detection Controls, Detection, and Recommended Actions.

Custom Spreadsheet Import​

For spreadsheets that don't follow the NirmIQ template:

  1. Upload your file
  2. The system shows a preview of your columns and sample data
  3. For each NirmIQ field, select the matching column from your spreadsheet using the dropdown
  4. Required mappings: Failure Mode (minimum), plus optionally S, O, D ratings
  5. Click "Import" to process

AI-Assisted Column Mapping​

Advanced Tier and Above

AI-assisted import requires an Advanced tier subscription or higher.

Instead of manually mapping columns, click "Auto-detect Columns" to let AI analyze your spreadsheet headers and sample data:

  1. Upload your Excel file
  2. Click the wand icon (Auto-detect)
  3. AI examines column headers, data patterns, and common FMEA terminology
  4. Suggested mappings appear in the dropdown selectors
  5. Review and adjust if needed, then import

This is especially useful for spreadsheets with non-standard column names (e.g., "Potential Failure" instead of "Failure Mode", or columns in a different language).

Import Validation​

During import, the system validates:

  • S, O, D ratings must be integers between 1 and 10
  • Action Priority is auto-calculated from S/O/D — imported AP values are ignored
  • Empty rows are skipped
  • Duplicate detection — warnings shown for identical failure mode text

After import, you see a summary:

  • Number of failure modes imported
  • Number of rows skipped (with reasons)
  • Any warnings (e.g., ratings out of range, clamped to 1-10)

AIAG-VDA Export​

Export your FMEA in the standard AIAG-VDA form sheet layout.

Excel Export Format​

The exported .xlsx file follows the AIAG-VDA Handbook structure:

Header Block (Rows 1-6):

  • FMEA Type (DFMEA / PFMEA / FMEA-MSR)
  • Component / Process Name
  • Responsible Engineer
  • Analysis Date and Revision
  • Team Members
  • Status

Column Headers (Row 7): Matches the Worksheet column layout — Structure Element, Function, Failure Mode, Effect, S, Cause, Prevention Controls, O, Detection Controls, D, AP, Recommended Actions.

Data Rows (Row 8+): All failure modes with their ratings, controls, and actions.

Additional Sheets:

  • Sheet 2: Action Items — All actions with owner, due date, status, and verification fields
  • Sheet 3: RPN History — Rating changes over time for each failure mode

Formatting​

  • Conditional formatting on Action Priority: High = red, Medium = yellow, Low = green
  • Frozen panes at row 7, column 2 (headers and row numbers always visible)
  • Auto-fit column widths for readability
  • Print-ready layout with page breaks

How to Export​

  1. Open the analysis you want to export
  2. Click the "Export" button in the header
  3. Select "AIAG-VDA Excel"
  4. The .xlsx file downloads automatically

For project-level export (all analyses), use the Worksheet tab's export button.

MSR XML Exchange​

For FMEA-MSR analyses, NirmIQ supports the VDA MSR 2.1.2 exchange format. See FMEA-MSR for details.

Best Practices​

Importing​

  • Clean your data first — Remove merged cells, empty rows, and header decorations before uploading
  • Use consistent column names — "Failure Mode" is recognized more reliably than "FM" or "Failure"
  • Check S/O/D ratings — Values outside 1-10 are clamped, which may not match your intent
  • Review after import — Open the Worksheet view to verify all data imported correctly

Exporting​

  • Export before audits — The AIAG-VDA format is audit-ready
  • Include action items — Sheet 2 shows your mitigation progress
  • Use RPN History — Sheet 3 demonstrates continuous improvement to auditors

What's Next?​