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

Changing Customer Expectations Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing a recent product failure that Kirk had with the manufacturer of his e-bike, and the positive outcome. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss Kirk’s e-bike user caused failure and how the company had a major spare part that they no longer manufacturing. Topics include: […]

Making Assumptions Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the use of assumptions in the reliability models, testing, and predictions Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how assumptions are used in reliability engineering and how they can be misleading or very limited in making reliability assessments. Topics include: Assumptions must be made about potential […]

Ever heard of the 'naked mole rat?' Probably not. It is perhaps the only mammal that never ages. Never gets old. So why do many reliability engineers and textbooks assume that most of our products and machines behave like 'naked mole rats?'

Reliability allocation involves taking 'high-level' requirements and interpreting them into requirements for components and subsystems that allow smaller teams to work independently towards a common goal. Do this right ... and you save lots of time and money. Do this wrong ... and you get the opposite.

How to Start First Job Abstract Carl and Fred sharing suggestions for new reliability engineers on what to do when starting your first job. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss their own experiences and lessons learned on how best to begin work as a new reliability engineer. Topics include: What to do […]

Operator Error? Abstract Carl and Fred discussing a question from an Inside FMEA reader on the subject of Process FMEA. It brings up a general topic of root cause, and whether assigning the cause to various forms of operator error is useful. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how to determine the […]

Is it possible to change 'any' organization? This is a question many reliability engineers stumble across when they feel frustrated that they are not making meaningful change. There are lots of instances of organizations that have changed. But there are lots of organizations that haven't changed ... at least for a long time. Is it possible for these organizations to change?

Bathtub Curve Flaws Abstract Carl and Fred discussing a reader question having to do with the use of the reliability bathtub curve, including the efficacy of the curve itself. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss what is right or wrong with the reliability bathtub curve. Topics include: Is the “bathtub curve” more […]

Biggest Reliability Mistakes Abstract Carl and Fred discussing some of the biggest reliability mistakes they have seen in their careers, and the lessons learned from those mistakes. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss various mistakes that companies make, why they are made, and how they can be avoided. Topics include: Mistake 1: […]

How much is a reliability engineer worth? This is a very difficult question to answer ... especially by reliability engineers! We are often very guilty of simply saying we are really valuable without explaining why, what that means, providing examples, or putting dollar figures on it. So how valuable is a reliability engineer?