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

Listing of Failure Mechanisms Abstract Philip and Fred discussing a question about locating a listing of failure mechanisms. Key Points Join Philip and Fred as they discuss a listing of all failure mechanisms that probably doesn’t exist due to sheer magnitude of the number of mechanisms that exist. Topics include: We do not know of a […]

Professional Societies: The Rules Have Changed Abstract Greg and Fred discussing how The Rules Have Changed for Professional Societies as well as for most of us. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss the role of professional societies such as IEEE, ASME, ASQ, and others in the age of social media and fast […]

Quality of Decisions Abstract Greg and Fred discussing how people make important decisions and why decision quality is important. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss Topics include: Why is decision making in reliability important. How to use reliability tools for effective decision making. What are the critical steps in Fred’s new book […]

Storage of Test Parts Abstract Dianna and Fred discussing the effects of handling, cumulative test, and storage of test parts on test results. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss experiences of when testing product went awry because of handling, cumulative test, and storage of test parts. Topics include: identifying the true failure […]

Dianna and Fred discussing the history and application of published parts count prediction models and standards in reliability analysis. 

Metrics and Games Abstract Carl and Fred discussing a listener question on maintenance strategies, and a company mandate metric comparing preventive and corrective maintenance tasks. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how metrics can become a numbers game if they are used incorrectly. Topics include: Sometimes a metric can alter behavior in […]

The Value of Curiosity Abstract Carl and Fred discussing what brings enjoyment to one’s life and work, and how to explore and learn, with curiosity. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the value of curiosity in our day-to-day work. Topics include: Using what we know in science and engineering to understand problems […]

It is sometimes difficult to express reliability performance to users or customers. It is all well and good to say that something has a 97.8 % reliability at three years when driven in certain conditions. But different customers will create different conditions. So this number is often irrelevant. How do we give our customers and users a 'reliability score' that means something but isn't just made...

Many engineering disciplines require statistical analysis. Which means we need to use definitions and concepts ... like 'tolerance,' 'confidence' and 'prediction' intervals. But do we? Do these definitions only help statisticians? Or do they help you in your job? Listen to this podcast to learn more.

MEOST Setup Remotely Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing Multiple Environmental Over Stress Test or MEOST. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the term MEOST and how it is very similar to HALT in the use of stress to find latent defects or weaknesses. Topics include: Gregg Hobbs was very possessive of the […]

Reliability Spooky Stories Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing  and reflecting on some of the spooky reliability problems we have seen (or not seen) that sometimes have haunted us on this  Halloween 2022 episode of SOR Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss Topics include: Fred recalls a meeting that many engineers shared scary […]

Risk and Supply Chain Abstract Greg and Fred discussing supply chain risk management. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss current practices and risk in supply chain management. Topics include: Just in Time may become Just in Case risk management. How to mitigate supply chain inventory risks. Current challenges in supply chain manufacturing. What’s […]

Decision Making in Reliability Abstract Greg and Fred discussing the importance of decision making in quality, reliability, and work in general. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss Topics include: Importance of decision making in reliability. Types of decisions in quality and reliability and life. Discussion on types of reliability decision making starting […]

What happens when you (perhaps for the first time) realize that the MTBF is not reliability ... but you work in an organization or industry that appears to worship it? What can you do?

We are often given the option of 'deferring' maintenance. This usually happens when our budget and schedule tells us we have to ... and we then tie ourselves in knots trying to convince ourselves that this is OK and that laws of physics will also be deferred. Really?

Some of us are forced to try and estimate reliability outside of our experience base. We might need to create an electronic component that is going to be asked to last centuries. How do you go about this?

Changing Company Career Advice Abstract Carl and Fred discussing advice for experienced engineers who are looking to change jobs or companies. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss lessons learned on how to advance one’s career when changing companies. Topics include: Don’t be afraid to look for new positions. The best employees look […]

Inside Company Career Advice Abstract Carl and Fred talking about their experiences in their own careers and advices for others in developing and taking advantage of career opportunities within a company. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the most important lessons when advancing careers. This podcast will talk about career advancement inside […]

Data and Automation of Analysis Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing the use of current buzzwords in the field of reliability,  the use of software data Failure Reporting and Corrective Action Systems (FRACAS) and how many reliability professionals jump to software automation to analyze reliability issues. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how […]

Very Long Term Storage Question Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing how to determine reliability for an LED device that needs to be operational after 250 years storage. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss a question he had about how to determine what physical changes that may cause failure of an LED after […]

The Point of Your Role Abstract Greg and Fred discussing the professional role of a quality and reliability engineer within an organization. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss the role of quality and reliability engineering when everyone is responsible for the quality of their efforts. Topics include: What are quality and reliability […]

The Term Risk Management Abstract Greg and Fred discuss the concepts and words surrounding reliability management, risk management and enterprise risk management. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss the idea that ‘words matter’. Topics include: Why do professional words matter. Why ‘risk management’ may become ‘certainty management’ Why culture is all...

A lot of organizations (say they) want to create a reliability plan. But how do we do this? It isn't simply looking through books and standards to find 'tools.' When you describe how to build a house, a piece of furniture, or a deck, you don't simply list the tools you need. This is not a plan! Same goes for reliability engineering.

Many reliability engineers often come up with roadblocks to their good ideas based on cultural issues. But is there any way around these issues? ... over these issues? ... through these issues?

Approaches to Systemic Change Abstract Dianna and Fred discussing a listener question about approaches to systemic change. How can we make systemic changes into the way people go about their work? They talk about change management and work culture. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss a listener question about change management and […]