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

Reliability and Volume Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss reliability and volume, comparing high-volume products with low-volume high-stakes products. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they compare reliability strategies for NASA’s one-of-a-kind lunar instruments versus mass-produced consumer electronics. Topics include: why the definition of reliability remains constant for the customer  how risks shift from craftsmanship […]

Got a Chamber? So… Abstract In this episode of the Podcast, Fred Schenkelberg and Philip Sage explore the importance of aligning test methods with real-world reliability problems rather than defaulting to familiar tools or pre-existing equipment. Through anecdotes from industry experience—including discussions on environmental chambers, vendor testing standards, and engineering challenges in fields like automotive, […]

Right Tool at the Right Time Abstract Philip and Fred discuss a common challenge in reliability engineering: using the right tool—not just the one you’re most comfortable with. Key Points In this episode of Speaking of Reliability, Fred Schenkelberg and Philip Sage explore a common challenge in reliability engineering: using the right tool—not just the one […]

Reliability is Still Important Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss how to keep reliability a priority when dealing with changing suppliers. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss shifting suppliers and how to ensure reliability when components or manufacturing locations change. Topics include: If a product was developed using HALT methods, then it should […]

Tradeoffs and Right to Repair Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss right-to-repair laws and the trade-offs for design and manufacturing. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how manufacturers now have to balance making a product reliable and also capable of being repaired by the end-user. Topics include: There can be a big trade-off […]

Changing Conditions and Challenges Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the many ways working on creating a reliable product is difficult. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss the impact of changes in economic forces, which, for one, creates the need to adjust reliability plans. Topics include: The impact of short-term budget tightening. The […]

Lifecycle Target Misalignment Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss the dangers of lifecycle target misalignment and how they impact product engineering and customer satisfaction. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss the dangers of lifecycle target misalignment and how they impact product engineering and customer satisfaction. Topics include: The story of a 25-year-old cell […]

Ongoing Projects Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the 10th anniversary of the publication of Kirk’s book,  Next Generation HALT and HASS: Robust Design of Electronics and Systems. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the reasons and relevance of writing a book on HALT and HASS and why it was intended to be […]

25 Year Old Communicator Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss how, for most electronic equipment, technological obsolescence comes well before devices wear out. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how the vast majority of solid-state electronics have much longer intrinsic lifetimes than their period of technological usefulness. Topics include: For the vast majority […]

Future Reliability Engineering Abstract Mojan and Fred discuss the monumental reliability challenges of a mission to Mars. While the fundamental physics remains the same, they explore why success depends on a more rigorous application of existing methods, autonomous systems, and the shift toward heavy simulation and in-situ repairs. Key Points Join Mojan and Fred as they […]