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

The Evolving Nature of FMEA Abstract Carl and Fred discuss how the fundamentals of FMEA have remained constant over the decades while the methods, tools, and applications have evolved to better support product development in today’s fast-paced engineering environment Key Points Join Carl and Fred emphasize that successful FMEA depends on critical thinking, knowledgeable teams, […]

AI Techniques and Projects Abstract Dianna and Chris discuss AI techniques and projects they’ve been working on. Key Points Join Dianna and Chris as they discuss why AI in reliability should be treated as a powerful enhancer for pre-existing knowledge rather than a shortcut for the engineering basics. Topics include: AI-assisted FMEA approach that transitions […]

DFR and Reliability Engineers Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the role of reliability engineers and implementing design for reliability. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss how reliability professionals can assist, not do, design for reliability. Topics include: The various tools involved with a good design for reliability program. The problem with a […]

What makes Accendo Reliability valuable? In this episode, Chris and Fred explore how a free, practitioner-driven platform helps engineers solve real-world reliability problems every day. The discussion goes beyond website traffic and content metrics to examine the true value of shared knowledge—helping engineers learn faster, make better decisions, and avoid costly mistakes. They also discuss why practical experience often carries more weight than academic theory alone, and how contributors benefit by building trust and credibility within the industry. If you've ever relied on an article, podcast, webinar, or case study to solve a problem, this episode highlights why knowledge sharing remains one of the most powerful tools in reliability engineering.

Physics-of-failure models are often presented as the ultimate solution for predicting reliability—but are they always necessary? In this episode, Chris and Fred explore a listener's question about finding reliable references for physics-of-failure models, particularly for electronics and PCB assemblies. The discussion highlights the spectrum of available models, from simple empirical equations to highly detailed simulations requiring extensive material and manufacturing data. More importantly, they explain why engineers should start by defining the decision they need to make before searching for increasingly sophisticated models. If you're trying to improve reliability, select materials, design accelerated tests, or understand failure mechanisms, this episode offers practical guidance on when physics-of-failure modeling adds value and when simpler approaches may be more effective.

FMEA Compensating Provisions Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the concept of compensating provisions in FMEA—design features or operator actions that mitigate the consequences of failures and improve safety. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how to identify and evaluate Compensating Provisions in FMEAs. Topics include: Compensating provisions is an FMEA element present in military […]

FMEA Scales Abstract Carl and Fred discuss whether FMEA teams should use the 1–10 Severity, Occurrence, and Detection (SOD) scales in some FMEA Standards, or whether they can tailor the scales to better fit their applications. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the essence of FMEA scales and how to apply them […]

AI Names ‘Best’ Reliability Engineers Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss a recent AI search topic: who is the best reliability engineer? Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how AI tends to provide answers with some bias towards the person inquiring and maybe a little bit of confirmation bias. Topics include: Why do Fred […]

Electronics in Today’s Vehicles Abstract Kirk and Fred discussed a recent search topic on electronics reliability when we found an article on the durability of automotive electronics. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss automotive reliability and how many failure causes stem from variations in the long vertical supply chain in manufacturing. Topics […]

They Are Just Not Listening Abstract “They’re just not listening.” But what if the problem isn’t their ears—it’s their incentives? Join Fred and Mojan as they explore why people resist change, what actually motivates behavior, and how to drive change when you don’t have formal authority. Key Points Join Fred and Mojan as they explore […]