Speaking Of Reliability: Friends Discussing Reliability Engineering Topics | Warranty | Plant Maintenance

FMEA Scales Abstract Carl and Fred discuss whether FMEA teams should use the 1–10 Severity, Occurrence, and Detection (SOD) scales in some FMEA Standards, or whether they can tailor the scales to better fit their applications. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the essence of FMEA scales and how to apply them […]

AI Names ‘Best’ Reliability Engineers Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss a recent AI search topic: who is the best reliability engineer? Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how AI tends to provide answers with some bias towards the person inquiring and maybe a little bit of confirmation bias. Topics include: Why do Fred […]

Electronics in Today’s Vehicles Abstract Kirk and Fred discussed a recent search topic on electronics reliability when we found an article on the durability of automotive electronics. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss automotive reliability and how many failure causes stem from variations in the long vertical supply chain in manufacturing. Topics […]

They Are Just Not Listening Abstract “They’re just not listening.” But what if the problem isn’t their ears—it’s their incentives? Join Fred and Mojan as they explore why people resist change, what actually motivates behavior, and how to drive change when you don’t have formal authority. Key Points Join Fred and Mojan as they explore […]

MTBF to Weibull? Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss a listener’s question about the process to convert a MTBF value to a Weibull curve. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss a few questions concerning a proposed method to derive a Weibull curve from a MTBF value. Topics include: The available data Making assumptions […]

Best Lessons Learned Method Abstract Capturing lessons learned can be a monumental waste of time—or it can be transformative. Join Fred and Mojan as they explore what separates the two through a cautionary tale: when three engineering teams independently removed electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection from a product to save costs, it nearly bankrupted the division. […]

Damage Modeling Abstract What exactly is “damage” in engineering, and how do you predict when it will end a product’s life? Join Mojan and Fred as they explore damage modeling through the lens of reliability engineering. They discuss why understanding damage accumulation is critical for both designers and field teams, and how monitoring thresholds throughout […]

Weibull and Crow-AMSSA Key Points On the Use of Weibull vs. Crow AMSAA (Crow-AMSAA) for Repairable Systems – Philip Sage introduced the topic after seeing a LinkedIn discussion emphasizing Crow AMSAA over Weibull for repairable systems. – The post initially appeared to strongly advocate against Weibull, but on a closer read, it functioned as an […]

Complex Product Reliability Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the difference between complex and complicated products and what it means for reliability engineering. Using examples ranging from rockets and home appliances to computers and fountain pens, they explore the limits of component-level analysis, the role of system testing, and why surprises remain unavoidable even in well-engineered [&#823...

What is Reliability? Abstract What is the definition of reliability? Outside of the field of reliability, who defines it or what a failure is? Join Mojan and Fred as they explore how reliability is perceived across the product development ecosystem—from customers to suppliers to design engineers—and why the classic “but it met the spec!” defense […]

Yes, Culture Can Change Abstract Carl and Fred discuss why organizational culture is not fixed, and how reliability-focused leadership, communication, and sustained engagement can gradually transform the way teams think and operate. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how reliability culture can change in a company of organization. Topics include: Organizational culture […]

Why Gaps? Abstract Carl and Fred discuss why effective reliability planning begins with identifying the gaps between an organization’s current capabilities and its long-term reliability vision. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss why identifying gaps are often missed in reliability planning and how to remedy. Topics include: Reliability planning should begin with […]

Networking and Professional Development Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the value of professional networking in reliability engineering. Drawing from their experiences with Accendo Reliability, they explore how sharing knowledge, contributing content, and engaging with experts outside one’s company can accelerate professional growth, strengthen reliability culture, and create opportunities...

The Reliability Contract Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss the reliability contract: the RE’s role as internal consultant. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss the reliability engineer’s role as an internal consultant and why setting clear expectations is vital for project success. Topics include: the three main ways reliability experts provide value  how […]

Reliability and Volume Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss reliability and volume, comparing high-volume products with low-volume high-stakes products. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they compare reliability strategies for NASA’s one-of-a-kind lunar instruments versus mass-produced consumer electronics. Topics include: why the definition of reliability remains constant for the customer  how...

Got a Chamber? So… Abstract In this episode of the Podcast, Fred Schenkelberg and Philip Sage explore the importance of aligning test methods with real-world reliability problems rather than defaulting to familiar tools or pre-existing equipment. Through anecdotes from industry experience—including discussions on environmental chambers, vendor testing standards, and engineering challenges in...

Right Tool at the Right Time Abstract Philip and Fred discuss a common challenge in reliability engineering: using the right tool—not just the one you’re most comfortable with. Key Points In this episode of Speaking of Reliability, Fred Schenkelberg and Philip Sage explore a common challenge in reliability engineering: using the right tool—not just the one […]

Reliability is Still Important Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss how to keep reliability a priority when dealing with changing suppliers. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss shifting suppliers and how to ensure reliability when components or manufacturing locations change. Topics include: If a product was developed using HALT methods, then it should […]

Tradeoffs and Right to Repair Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss right-to-repair laws and the trade-offs for design and manufacturing. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how manufacturers now have to balance making a product reliable and also capable of being repaired by the end-user. Topics include: There can be a big trade-off […]

Changing Conditions and Challenges Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the many ways working on creating a reliable product is difficult. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss the impact of changes in economic forces, which, for one, creates the need to adjust reliability plans. Topics include: The impact of short-term budget tightening. The […]

Lifecycle Target Misalignment Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss the dangers of lifecycle target misalignment and how they impact product engineering and customer satisfaction. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss the dangers of lifecycle target misalignment and how they impact product engineering and customer satisfaction. Topics include: The story of a 25-year-old cell […]

Ongoing Projects Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the 10th anniversary of the publication of Kirk’s book,  Next Generation HALT and HASS: Robust Design of Electronics and Systems. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the reasons and relevance of writing a book on HALT and HASS and why it was intended to be […]

25 Year Old Communicator Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss how, for most electronic equipment, technological obsolescence comes well before devices wear out. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how the vast majority of solid-state electronics have much longer intrinsic lifetimes than their period of technological usefulness. Topics include: For the vast majority […]

Future Reliability Engineering Abstract Mojan and Fred discuss the monumental reliability challenges of a mission to Mars. While the fundamental physics remains the same, they explore why success depends on a more rigorous application of existing methods, autonomous systems, and the shift toward heavy simulation and in-situ repairs. Key Points Join Mojan and Fred as they […]

Best Recommended Option Abstract Chris and Fred discuss which liner is best to use on a centrifugal pump, or make a general recommendation. How do you make a recommendation using reliability performance? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they respond to a listener who asked how to identify the best liner for a centrifugal […]