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

Roofing Material Failure Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the recent failure of his roofing tiles and the testing that should have been done for roofing materials that will be used in all geographical locations. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how his roofing failed and the manufacturer going out of business Topics […]

The Future of HALT Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the future of Highly Accelerated Limit Testing (HALT), which is not a life test, despite its initial designation. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how HALT may evolve in the future with the combination of AI. Topics include: First, Fred and I would […]

From MTBF to AI – Rapid Fire Reliability Questions Abstract Mojan and Fred discuss a range of topics in a rapid-fire fashion. Key Points This episode takes a rapid-fire approach to some of the most debated questions in reliability engineering — from “zero failures” to AI’s role in failure prediction. We share quick takes, counterpoints, […]

The Right to Repair Abstract Mojan and Fred discuss the Right to Repair and how the balance between reparability, reliability, and customer experience. Key Points Join Mojan and Fred as they discuss The Right to Repair movement raises a tricky question: how much reparability should companies really design for? In this episode, we dig into […]

The Role of Stories Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the role of stories in conveying principles to others. At first, it may not come easily; but it is an essential part of good communication, and well worth the effort. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how to leverage stories to enhance reliability […]

Asking Questions Abstract Carl and Fred discuss another of the communication skills: how to use questions in your reliability practice. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss different ways to ask questions to connect with people, and explore information. Topics include: How you can learn by questioning Back and forth between the skills […]

If you furiously measure the wrong thing, you usually have furious customers. EV charging stations are routinely reported as having a 99 % uptime. But customers don't share this view of the charging station performance. And it comes down to getting reliability metrics right.

Redundancy and Culture Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the role redundancy plays in an organization’s culture … especially one that needs to maintain redundant systems and plants. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how having redundancy (or perceived redundancy) in a system has on the culture of the people who use, operate, […]

Supplier Trust Issues Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss supplier trust issues Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss trusting your suppliers of components and systems to send you reliable parts. Topics include: Suppliers of small, discreet electronic components such as diodes, resistors, MLCC (Multi layer Ceramic capacitors) may have hundreds of customers using […]

What Counts as a Failure? Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the analysis of what can or should be considered a failure. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the criteria for what constitutes a failure during testing and in the customer’s use. Topics include: Should all failures be counted? Many failures are apparent, […]

DFMEA and Assumptions Abstract Carl and Fred discuss a listener question about the assumptions that go into a Design FMEA, relating to manufacturing and assembly. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss assumptions that go into FMEAs, how they are determined and applied. Topics include: Question: if the product meets dimensions, do we […]

Listening and Reliability Engineering Abstract Carl and Fred discuss why the skill of listening is essential to successful application of reliability engineering. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the ability to influence others, and how this can be enhanced by listening. In order to achieve reliability objectives, it is necessary to influence […]

Data Usage Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the need for data analysis. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss Topics include: The data analysis related to the mission profile or use conditions Example on collecting use data to guide testing Consider the use of spare parts use data Enjoy an episode of Speaking […]

Quality Management Systems Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss the implementation and effectiveness of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and how they impact organizational performance. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss the implementation and effectiveness of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and how they impact organizational performance. Topics include: Define an integrated system to drive […]

Customer Service and AI Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss customer service and AI: focusing on the impacts and challenges presented by the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for customer service. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss the critical function of customer service, focusing on the impacts and challenges presented by the adoption […]

Consumer Electronics and Cars Abstract Mojan and Fred discuss consumer electronics and cars. Consumer and automotive electronics may share similar technologies, but their reliability challenges are worlds apart. Designing for the stresses of a living room is nothing like designing for the stresses inside a car. Key Points Join Mojan and Fred as they discuss: […]

Planned Obsolescence Abstract Mojan and Fred discuss Planned Obsolescence in product development. Planned obsolescence isn’t just about making people buy the next model — it’s a complex mix of engineering, business, and sustainability decisions. How do we decide how long a product should really last? Key Points Join Mojan and Fred as they discuss: The […]

Training Options Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the evolution of ways to learn reliability and failure analysis with so much information available on the internet. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the many different training options for understanding reliability issues Topics include: Internet searches can now provide access to many different sources […]

Failure Mechanism Awareness Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the many different failure mechanisms and the need for understanding the failure mechanisms and causes of failures. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss why it is necessary to have an understanding of material science and the physics of failure mechanisms to do a thorough […]

What’s So Hard About Planning Abstract Carl and Fred discuss a subject that some people find difficult. How to plan for reliability. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss a key skill in reliability engineering and management: planning. How does one go about developing a good plan to accomplish the goals of a […]

Soft Skills Plus Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the wide range of soft skills that reliability engineers need to learn, in order to be fully successful in their jobs. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss student feedback from a course that Fred recently taught. During his office hours, many students were very […]

Overcoming Product Protections for HALT Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss turning off the built-in over-temperature production circuits to perform thermal HALT. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the methods for testing the empirical thermal limits of a power supply or circuit board. Topics include: If possible, the thermal over-temperature protection (OTP)  devices […]

HALT Late in the Program Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss using HALT for a product that has been in the field and has many documented reliability issues from the initial warranty returns Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the worth of performing HALT on a system after market release Topics include: Determining when to […]

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 for creativity. Focused […]

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 […]