The Reliability FM network

Knotty Detection Abstract Carl and Fred discuss reader questions on FMEA detection, a subject which can be challenging and confusing. Detection is a key part of FMEA during product development as well as in operation. This podcast will discuss some of the “knottiest” challenges with understanding detection in FMEA. Key Points Join Carl and Fred […]

Learning Weibull Analysis Abstract Chris and Fred discuss Weibull Analysis and how it can help you can first take your ‘tentative’ steps to learn more about it. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss Weibull analysis. This is perhaps one of the most talked about forms of analysis reliability engineers talk about. And […]

Learning From Those Closest Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the fact that many times those on the assembly and production lines are the ones that have the most information for assembly issues and causes of failures, yet the information they have is not heard by the engineers and management that could improve it. Key Points […]

Getting Failure Feedback Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the many required tests before market release and post market ongoing reliability testing and why testing is so necessary. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the reasons we have to do so many tests to get the feedback on failures sometimes long after the […]

Statistical control charting (SPC) is a method for monitoring and determining whether a process is in control or stable.

Data Analysis Assumptions Abstract Greg and Fred discuss the importance and context of assumptions in data analysis. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss assumptions making decisions using non parametric data.  Topics include: What is non parametric data? Why, when, and how to use non parametric data? How to make good decisions using […]

AI Challenges and Opportunities Abstract Greg and Fred discuss AI – both the challenges and opportunities for quality and reliability professionals. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss how AI may have the same impact as the discovery of electricity or the steam engine.  Both created economic disruption and personal change.  So, hang […]

Greg will discuss the critical architecture and design practices that need to be considered in AI product development and deployment.

Robustness Abstract Philip and Fred discuss the idea of a robust design for a product or system. Key Points Join Philip and Fred as they discuss Topics include: To improve the ability of a product to withstand unexpected stresses, improve the robustness. Design techniques to improve robustness. Various methods to improve reliability like stress-strength analysis, […]

Vintage Experience Abstract Philip and Fred discuss the value of the experience our co-workers may be able to share. How important is Mentoring in the Workplace? Should we all be mentors? How do we collaborate with a cross functional team that is built through the many generations and Leveridge the experience and foster the growth […]

The Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) appears in lots of textbooks and standards, so it must be really important … right? Well, not really.

Shorter Lifespan of Newer Appliances Abstract Carl and Fred discuss an article from the Wall Street Journal describing how newer appliances tend to have more complexity and shorter lifespans, and what can be done to reverse the trend. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the factors that influence reliability in large, complex […]

Value of Design FMEA Abstract Carl and Fred discuss an interesting question from a listener about modeling the money value of Design FMEAs. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss whether it is possible to predict the cost savings due to design changes driven by Design FMEA. Topics include: The challenge of predicting […]

Lots of organizations really struggle with projecting returns. Big time. They often say the only data they have is the number of things sold in a month, versus the number of products returned. Really? So you have no idea which customer is returning the product? No idea when that customer purchased that product ... even just to confirm it was returned in the warranty period? Most organizations actu...

The 2017 Atlanta Airport Blackout was caused by an electrical fire that took out the main power supply cables, ... and the backup power cables that were located in the same tunnel. This simply can't happen when organizations take reliability seriously. So if you want to learn how 'not' to do something like this ... listen to this podcast!

Let’s examine safety margins and why they are one method to design robust products that also improve product reliability performance.

Customer Support Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss the challenges as a customer when calling for customer support. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss customer support. Topics include: why current contact methods make it seem that customers are not a priority. the missing link: the problem the customer is facing. how changing the […]

Getting Questions Answered Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss the challenges in asking others reliability questions and getting questions answered. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss getting questions answered about reliability. Topics include: places to ask questions being able to say “failure” ways to look at asking questions to help you ask yours […]

In this presentation, Greg Hutchins will explain how to Get Unstuck: Do Good. Be Happy – based on the Working It book.

Moose Lodge Syndrome Abstract Greg and Fred discuss how institutions can and should adapt, but often don’t.  The result is that even most Fortune 500 companies have a 10 year half life. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss the inability of organizations to change and pivot.  ‘Moose Lodge Syndrome’ is a metaphor […]

Check Your (Decision Making) Bias Abstract Greg and Fred discuss how bias is a part of all of us.  Our challenge is that bias impacts our decision making from simple rules of thumb to complex decisions. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss heuristic and complex decision making.   Topics include: What are decision […]

There are ‘K out of N’ systems that need ‘K’ components out of a total of ‘N’ components to work for the system to work.

The 'hazard rate' and 'failure rate' are terms that are often used by reliability engineers. Sometimes they are used in ways that make them seem as if they are the same thing. But are they? If you don't know ... then listen to this podcast!

Field data is often too simple. For example, we might only have usage or times to failure in terms of calendar time where we know the date our product was installed, and the date when it failed. But what if our product isn't being used the whole time? ... or being used at different rates? ... and it is this time and rate that affects failure? What do we do?

Risk vs Reliability Abstract Carl and Fred discuss whether the reliability community should focus on the body of knowledge associated with risk or reliability. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss risk versus reliability, and how they interact in bringing about safe and economical products. Topics include: Risk as uncertainty Is everything focused […]