"Potential Failure Mode is defined as the manner in which the process could potentially fail to meet the process requirements and/or design intent as described in the Process Function/Requirements column. It is a description of the non conformance at that specific operation. It can be a Cause associated with a potential Failure Mode in a subsequent (downstream) operation or an effect associated with a potential failure in a previous (upstream) operation. However, in preparation of the FMEA, the assumption may be made that the incoming part(s)/material(s) are correct. Exception can be made by the FMEA team where historical data indicates deficiencies in incoming part quality."
FMEA HANDBOOK VERSION 4.2, 4-16