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

Hero Syndrome Abstract Greg and Fred discuss why heros who fly in to fix a failing project or product recall get all the attention, praise and promotions.  But, the folks who maintain the systems day in and day out are often neglected, forgotten, or even dismissed. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss […]

There are lots of different reliability engineering consultants. So it must be easy to become one ... right? Before you take the plunge, do you even know if this is the right direction for you?

Regulations are an important part of a safe and reliable world. But regulations have also failed to save lives, keep things reliable and make the world safe. Sometimes they are essential. Sometimes they get in the way of innovation. Sometimes they give us the false sense of reliability and safety if they are followed (perhaps because they are out of date, or the technology has changed). So what ro...

Changing Customer Expectations Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing a recent product failure that Kirk had with the manufacturer of his e-bike, and the positive outcome. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss Kirk’s e-bike user caused failure and how the company had a major spare part that they no longer manufacturing. Topics include: […]

Making Assumptions Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the use of assumptions in the reliability models, testing, and predictions Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how assumptions are used in reliability engineering and how they can be misleading or very limited in making reliability assessments. Topics include: Assumptions must be made about potential […]

Ever heard of the 'naked mole rat?' Probably not. It is perhaps the only mammal that never ages. Never gets old. So why do many reliability engineers and textbooks assume that most of our products and machines behave like 'naked mole rats?'

Reliability allocation involves taking 'high-level' requirements and interpreting them into requirements for components and subsystems that allow smaller teams to work independently towards a common goal. Do this right ... and you save lots of time and money. Do this wrong ... and you get the opposite.

How to Start First Job Abstract Carl and Fred sharing suggestions for new reliability engineers on what to do when starting your first job. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss their own experiences and lessons learned on how best to begin work as a new reliability engineer. Topics include: What to do […]

Operator Error? Abstract Carl and Fred discussing a question from an Inside FMEA reader on the subject of Process FMEA. It brings up a general topic of root cause, and whether assigning the cause to various forms of operator error is useful. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how to determine the […]

Is it possible to change 'any' organization? This is a question many reliability engineers stumble across when they feel frustrated that they are not making meaningful change. There are lots of instances of organizations that have changed. But there are lots of organizations that haven't changed ... at least for a long time. Is it possible for these organizations to change?

Bathtub Curve Flaws Abstract Carl and Fred discussing a reader question having to do with the use of the reliability bathtub curve, including the efficacy of the curve itself. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss what is right or wrong with the reliability bathtub curve. Topics include: Is the “bathtub curve” more […]

Biggest Reliability Mistakes Abstract Carl and Fred discussing some of the biggest reliability mistakes they have seen in their careers, and the lessons learned from those mistakes. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss various mistakes that companies make, why they are made, and how they can be avoided. Topics include: Mistake 1: […]

How much is a reliability engineer worth? This is a very difficult question to answer ... especially by reliability engineers! We are often very guilty of simply saying we are really valuable without explaining why, what that means, providing examples, or putting dollar figures on it. So how valuable is a reliability engineer?

So Many Tools Abstract Dianna and Fred discussing how there are so many tools that are available for quality and reliability applications, and approaches to take when figuring out what to use. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss that there are so many tools in the quality and reliability engineering toolbox that […]

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) is a vehicle that 'passed' a reliability demonstration test that appeared to suggest it was three times more reliable than the requirement. But yet, when the vehicles were provided to the soldiers, sailors and airmen ... they were unreliable. Sound familiar?

What does a reliability engineer do? This should be an easy question to answer. But it is not often answered well. 'Measuring reliability' is not reliability engineering. So what is it?

Redundancy by Design Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing the use of backups and system redundancy in the design of electronics for increased reliability. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how a company that wants to use two combined stresses simultaneously, at three intensity levels, but not the same stress combinations at each […]

Wishful Accelerated Testing Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing a accelerated stress test that a listener was going to use a different combination of stresses on samples to determine life estimates. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how a company that wants to use two combined stresses simultaneously, at three intensity levels, but […]

Design Process Blindspots Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the interesting subject of “blind spots,” and how they can impede good designs. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the nature of “blind spots” and how they can be addressed in teams. Topics include: On an FMEA team, why not have the design engineer […]

Giving and a Reliability Career Abstract Carl and Fred discussing how focusing on helping others can enhance your reliability career and provide a sense of community. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss a philosophy of life that relates to giving. Topics include: The value of networking The value of working on standards […]

Reliability Lunch and Learns Abstract Dianna and Fred discussing how reliability engineers can promote engagement within their organizations, including reliability lunch and learns. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss reliability lunch and learns and other ways that reliability engineers (and others!) can promote engagement within their organizations. Goals of outreach programs hosted...

Why is reliability engineering similar to marketing? Because first and foremost, we need to convince people that reliability engineering is important ... and will start saving them time and money starting now (not sometime in the future).

Reliability Engineering and AI Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the integration of artificial intelligence with the tools and procedures of reliability engineering. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the broad subject of models, AI, and various types of automation, and how they interact with the day to day activities of reliability engineering. […]

Identify Key Decisions Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the integration of reliability activities with engineering decisions, and how to enhance this important intersection. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the important of supporting the decision-making process with the tools of Reliability Engineering. Topics include: The origin of Speaking of Reliability Aligning reliability [&#82...

Career Strategies Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss about a career progression in the field of reliability engineering and job movement in this post-pandemic work world. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss career paths in becoming a knowledgeable and more skilled reliability professional. Topics include: Kirk’s experience in semiconductor manufacturing, and later in […]