Concept DFMEAs for complex systems can be large, complicated, and mired in component level details. The Concept DFMEA approach using System Level Assessment Methodology offers a fast, practical, and effective way to identify and mitigate design risks at the system level. This approach provides a streamlined requirements-led structure for mitigating risk in the earliest phases of the design process (or when working within "left wing of the vee-diagram"). The approach has been validated for automotive and energy systems and is more effective and efficient than traditional concept DFMEA approaches.