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

The Trouble with Interfaces Abstract Carl and Dianna discuss the topic of interfaces, in reliability engineering and FMEA. Key Points Join Carl and Dianna as they discuss the different types of interfaces, and how they can be included in system reliability models and FMEAs. Topics include: What exactly is an interface? What types of interfaces […]

Team Creativity Techniques Abstract Dianna and Carl discuss team creativity techniques, especially relating to FMEA. Key Points Join Dianna and Carl as they discuss team creativity techniques. Topics include: Boost team creativity: engage all engineers. Silent brainstorming and visuals yield diverse ideas. Socratic questioning builds thoughtful participation. Minimize distractions and manage power...

How Do we Set Reliability Requirements? Abstract Chris and Carl discuss a listener question on FMEA RPN and connection to reliability requirements. Key Points Join Chris and Carl as they discuss RPN is not a reliability metric and there are better ways to do allocation to set requirements. Topics include: Multiplying severity, occurrence, and detection […]

Pitfalls of Reliability Allocation Abstract Carl and Chris discuss the broad subject of reliability allocation. What is it, when is it used, and what are the primary pitfalls to success? Key Points Join Carl and Chris as they discuss setting and allocating reliability requirements. Topics include: What are primary pitfalls to doing reliability allocation? What […]

Special Characteristics Abstract Carl and Dianna discuss two of the least understood and potentially powerful FMEA data elements: Special Product Characteristics for Design FMEAs, and Special Process Characteristics for Process FMEAs. Key Points Join Carl and Dianna as they discuss the application of Special Characteristics in FMEAs. Topics include: What are some other names for Special […]

How HA and FMEA Relate Abstract Dianna and Carl discuss the relationship between Hazard Analysis (HA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Key Points Join Dianna and Carl as they discuss the how HA and FMEA relate and how they can work in synergy to create safer products. Topics include: Fundamental differences and similarities […]

How FMEA Worksheets can Help (and Hinder) Abstract Chris and Carl discuss FMEA worksheets (we know … boring) … but can be incredibly helpful and useful. So what are they and how do they help us? Key Points Join Chris and Carl as they discuss FMEA worksheets, which are an important part of a Failure […]

Reliability Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Abstract Carl and Chris discuss the changing opportunities and challenges with AI and reliability engineering. What are the positive interactions, and where should we be concerned? Key Points Join Carl and Chris as they discuss their views on the roles that AI can play in reliability programs. Topics include: What […]

Show Me the Money Abstract Greg and Dianna discuss how quality and reliability engineers can become AI boomers NOT doomers.  Engineers are being challenged with AI.  What can and should we do to survive and even prosper in the age AI disruption. Key Points Join Greg and Dianna as they discuss AI opportunities. What can […]

Quality and Reliability Disrupted Abstract Dianna and Greg discuss your employability in the AI age.  So, let’s run a hypothetical.  You’re a 22 year old mechanical engineer.  You do robotic quality and reliability with a knowledge half-life of 4 years.   That means by the time you’re 26 knowledge in your domain has doubled.  Let’s say, […]

Risk or Safety Triggers Abstract Greg and Fred discuss how and when to escalate problems and risks. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss resolution and escalation of risk and nonconforming products. Topics include: What is the role of a professional code of ethics? What is the trigger for escalation. What are different […]

Keep it Simple Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the challenge of using simple models for one finite element to extrapolate damage scalar metrics to very complex systems. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss system models and how most fatigue damage models have many input variables, such as vibration and temperature, that can […]

Connectors Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the reliability of electrical connectors Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the many ways that electrical connectors can lead to system failures. Topics include: The connector manufacturer may design a connector that is slightly modified from a standard reference design, which worked for many applications, but they […]

Ten Career Gems for New Reliability Engineers Abstract Carl and Fred discuss our top advice for those starting a role as a reliability engineer for the first time. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss Topics include: Academic question: What do you do when you research a subject and there are no meaningful […]

AI Future of FMEA Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the use of AI with FMEA, what works and what does not work. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the broad subject of FMEA and AI. We look at early lessons learned, discuss opportunities, and focus on the most important concerns. Topics include: […]

What do Reliability Engineers Do? Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss what do Reliability Engineers do? Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss what do Reliability Engineers do? An RE’s role extends far beyond just crunching numbers and running tests. Topics include: How they act as crucial links between diverse teams Their ability to […]

Enough Data? Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss a common reliability engineering dilemma: do we have enough data? Is data nirvana achievable? Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss a common reliability engineering dilemma: do we have enough data? Is data nirvana achievable? Topics include: Hidden challenges for RE, from too little to overwhelming […]

Risk Monitoring Triggers Abstract Greg and Fred discuss ways to detect and monitor changes in a system.  So, what is the trigger to indicate an event,  threat, or anomaly that can result in a risk.  This becomes critical if you want to focus on the critical few NOT the insignificant many. Key Points Join Greg […]

Reliability Allocation Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss various approaches to allocation. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss the pros and cons of different approaches to reliability goal allocation for subsystems and components. Topics include: Is there value in allocation goals for each component in a system? What is the purpose of allocation? […]

Portable Device Feasibility Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how we assess product feasibility … at the concept stage! Great topic. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss product feasibility when it is nothing more than a concept.  There is a lot to unpack here! This comes from a question raised by a Singaporean […]

Equations for Goal Setting Abstract Chris and Fred discuss what equations (if any) exist for setting and optimizing reliability goals … sometimes trading off against other goals. Wo … Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss equations that exist to help you come up with and optimize reliability goals and targets. This comes […]

Customer Requirements Abstract Chris and Fred discuss customer requirements when it comes to reliability. How do we get this wrong? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss requirements … not just yours … when it comes to reliability. What can go wrong? Topics include: MTBF and other wrong metrics. People love the MTBF […]

Bearing Failure and Analysis Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how bearings fail. Bearings are among the most common components used in products and systems. So, how do they go wrong? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how bearings fail, in response to a question from one of our listeners whose organization has […]

Decisions and Metrics Abstract Greg and Fred discuss the importance of key metrics, whether KPI’s or OKR’s, to determine the quality of decision making. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss decision making, metrics, and objectives.  What works?  What doesn’t?  And, how to develop better operational measures.  Topics include: How organizations track performance? […]

Communicating Complex Topics Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss a few approaches that may be effective when communication complex topics to others. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss the need for many engineers to improve their ability to communicate effectively. Topics include: Engineers with other Engineers – or engineers with the many others […]