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

Customer Requirements Abstract Chris and Fred discuss customer requirements when it comes to reliability. How do we get this wrong? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss requirements … not just yours … when it comes to reliability. What can go wrong? Topics include: MTBF and other wrong metrics. People love the MTBF […] The post SOR 1081 Customer Requirements appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Bearing Failure and Analysis Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how bearings fail. Bearings are among the most common components used in products and systems. So, how do they go wrong? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how bearings fail, in response to a question from one of our listeners whose organization has […] The post SOR 1080 Bearing Failure and Analysis appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Decisions and Metrics Abstract Greg and Fred discuss the importance of key metrics, whether KPI’s or OKR’s, to determine the quality of decision making. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss decision making, metrics, and objectives. What works? What doesn’t? And, how to develop better operational measures. Topics include: How organizations track performance? […] The post SOR 1079 Decisions and Metrics appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Communicating Complex Topics Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss a few approaches that may be effective when communication complex topics to others. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss the need for many engineers to improve their ability to communicate effectively. Topics include: Engineers with other Engineers – or engineers with the many others […] The post SOR 1078 Communicating Complex Topics appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Loss of Expertise Abstract Greg and Fred discuss what happens when a company doesn’t have the engineering knowledge, skills, and abilities to design things. Why? Companies don’t make commodity stuff any more. They outsource these items. The challenge of outsourcing often means outsourcing engineering expertise. Big problem. So what are the solutions? Key Points Join […] The post SOR 1077 Loss of Expertise appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Research Options Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the new options for doing technical research, including Google Scholar and AI tools like ChatGPT Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the validity and limitations of using the new tools for technical research. Topics include: ChatGPT sometimes creates fabricated information, but you can evaluate its […] The post SOR 1076 Research Options appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Vendors and Reliability Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the value or risks of sending failed components to the vendor for failure analysis. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the best way to get accurate failure analysis (FA) of a failed component. Topics include: Component suppliers for high volume devices are typically not […] The post SOR 1075 Vendors and Reliability appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Mastering AI and Your Career Abstract Greg and Fred discuss how AI is changing work, careers, and jobs. Last week, Fiverr CEO warned staff: ‘AI is coming for your jobs, including mine!’ So what does this really mean for reliability and quality professionals? And importantly, what can you do about it? Key Points Join Greg […] The post SOR 1074 Mastering AI and Career appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

How do you rank a reliability engineering book? Amazon and Goole can rank books based on algorithms, numbers, customer reviews and so on. But some books do a magnificent job of explaining the wrong concept. These books can have a great 'ranking' but be useless for you. So how do YOU rank YOUR reliability engineering books? The post SOR 1073 Reliability Engineering Books appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

You can't talk about reliability engineering without talkiing about psychology. Why? Because reliability engineering decisions you make today have consequences, weeks, months, and years from now. So we can prioritize instant gratification (not doing reliability stuff) over future costs and consequences if we want. And that is where psychology comes into play. The post SOR 1072 Psychology and Reliability appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Better Risk Management Abstract Greg and Fred discuss risk management tools specifically the advantages and disadvantages of using color -coded risk matrices.

AI and Reliability Planning Abstract Carl and Fred discuss a few ways to use AI during the reliability planning process.

System FMEA Abstract Carl and Fred discuss a question from a listener about the scope and procedure for a System FMEA, and what is different from other FMEA types. Key Points Join Carl and Fred talk about the essential elements of applying FMEA to larger systems. Topics include: How early should you do a System […] The post SOR 1069 System FMEA appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Risk Planning Abstract Greg and Fred discuss risk planning and why folks don’t do it. And, then they wonder what and why something happened. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss the fact we live in a world of uncertainty and risk. Think fires. Think tariffs. Think AI. What do you do about […] The post SOR 1068 Risk Planning appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Phantom Test Results Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss phantom test results in reliability testing. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss phantom test results and the challenges of reliability test methods. Topics include: The importance of root cause analysis for test failures. How test rigs and measurement systems themselves can give false positive […] The post SOR 1067 Phantom Test Results appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Sample Size Considerations Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss sample size considerations for reliability testing. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss sample size considerations, tackling the frequently asked question: “How many samples do I need?”. Topics include: Understanding the trade-offs between desired reliability/confidence levels and the massive sample sizes often required. Balancing statistical […] The post SOR 1066 Sample Size Considerations appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Fault Tree Analysis Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the basics and uses of fault tree analysis. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss a couple of uses along with the basics of conducting the analysis. Topics include: What is FTA? Modeling a system to identify priorities for improvement Using the model to support […] The post SOR 1065 Fault Tree Analysis appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Dismissing Failures Abstract Chris and Fred discuss Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss Topics include: point 1 point 2 point 3 Enjoy an episode of Speaking of Reliability. Where you can join friends as they discuss reliability topics. Join us as we discuss topics ranging from design for reliability techniques to field […] The post SOR 1064 Dismissing Failures appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss the pros, cons, and pitfalls of designing and running a test that has no failures, or does. The post SOR 1063 Test to Pass or Fail appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Traditional Reliability Methods Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss a question from a listener about why traditional reliability methods don't work for modern electronics. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss why traditional methods, such as those based on prediction using classical references like Military Handbook 217F don't work with today's electronics.. Topics include: […] The post SOR 1062 Traditional Reliability Methods appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Adhesives Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the reliability issues around using adhesives to attach mechanical assemblies. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the use of adhesives and testing the long-term reliability of adhesive bonds. Topics include: Mismatched coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) pose a significant challenge for attaching glass, metals, and polymers. […] The post SOR 1061 Adhesives appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

How do you take into consideration the number 'starts and stops' your item goes through during it's life when it comes to characterizing reliability? It's important ... but are there any rules that can help? The post SOR 1060 Excessive Starts and Stops Modeling appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

It turns out that electric vehicle (EV) batteries appear to be lasting longer than the laboratory tests the manufacturers use suggest they will. Why is this? Has something changed? ... or is there something wrong with the laboratory testing? ... or something else? The post SOR 1059 EV Battery Life appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

How to use data from connected devices for derivation of mission profiles Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the value of using real-world usage data to define mission profiles, advocating for a shift from deterministic to stochastic approaches. They touch on the impact of environmental conditions, the risk of selection bias in data analysis, and weigh […] The post SOR 1058 Use and Environmental Data appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Intermittent failures are failures that come and go. They often leave no physical trace to investigate. So what do you do?

It takes a lot of work (and money) to get a PhD in anything. But is it worth it in the world of reliability engineering? Many reliability engineers are 'self taught' or have completed lower level courses. So ... what's the point?

Long-form Reading Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss long-form reading. Is it in decline? Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss long-form reading. Topics include: the impact of the digital age on our ability to focus. why detailed reports and documentation are essential for engineering and reliability work. the risks of relying on checklists […] The post SOR 1055 Long-form Reading appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Using RBD Effectively Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss using RBD Effectively. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss using RBD Effectively. Topics include: the key to effectively using reliability block diagrams (RBDs) for new programs. how to start simple with RBDs for team collaboration. how RBDs can be a powerful tool for driving […] The post SOR 1054 Using RBD Effectively appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

A Good Reliability Engineer Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss a simple question of what being a practical and sound reliability engineer means. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the different aspects of reliability engineering and what they need to be a good reliability engineer Topics include: The results of effective reliability development […] The post SOR 1053 A Good Reliability Engineer appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Confidence Reliability Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the term "confidence" and its use in reliability engineering Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss confidence in predicted failure distributions and the use of reliability engineering. Topics include: Knowing how and why a system fails, such as a modem, and the variations in the environmental […] The post SOR 1052 Confidence Reliability appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Reliability and Safety Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the difference between the body of knowledge of reliability and safety, and how they work together. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the different roles and responsibilities of reliability and safety activities. Topics include: What is anticipated misuse of a product, and how is […] The post SOR 1051 Reliability and Safety appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

A Curse of Reliability Engineers Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the importance of reliability engineering and customer service working together to increase reliability and safety from the customer point of view. It is very important to understand how customers actually use your product, and customer service staff are uniquely positioned to provide that insight. Key […] The post SOR 1050 A Curse of Reliability Engineers appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

The Testing Strategy Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss a couple of ways to approach planning reliability testing. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss a question about testing everything or not. Topics include: Testing is expensive and must create a meaningful result. One approach is to test everything – difficult, time-consuming, etc. Another […] The post SOR 1049 The Testing Strategy appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

How important are 'reliability goals'? Very. How damaging are random phrases (intentions, objectives, sentiments) that sound like 'reliability goals' but aren't? Very. The post SOR 1048 Why Set a Reliability Goal appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

How did the Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS) 2025 go? Fred and Chris talk about it for this year! The post SOR 1047 Review of RAMS 2025 appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Building a Reliability Team Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss building a reliability team. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss building a reliability team. Topics include: the difference between being a manager and building/leading a team. why a reliability program should not rely on one person. the importance of business risk and how […] The post SOR 1046 Building a Reliability Team appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Complex AI Reliability Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss complex AI reliability. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss complex AI reliability: using AI for complex systems. Topics include: the pitfalls of trusting AI without proper validation and monitoring. how small errors in AI decision-making can compound and lead to unreliable outcomes. why good […] The post SOR 1045 Complex AI Reliability appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Reliability Engineer or No Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss about the role of the reliability engineer in modern organizations. Key Points Join Fred and Enrico in an engaging conversation about the evolving role of the reliability engineer in organizations and the broader question: Should reliability engineering be a dedicated function, or should it be integrated […] The post SOR 1044 Reliability Engineer or No appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Value of Failures Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss how many companies discard or never get back failed parts or subsystems even though they are high-value gold in the quest to make a more reliable product. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss why so few companies realize the value of field failure returns, […] The post SOR 1043 Value of Failures appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Reliability Tradeoffs Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the tradeoffs involved in developing a reliable product. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how, during product development, we have to limit the amount of robustness we can achieve so that it is on schedule and cost-competitive. Topics include: HALT is to find weaknesses in […] The post SOR 1042 Reliability Tradeoffs appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Service Life Requirements Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss one of the most critical questions in reliability engineering. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred in an engaging discussion on one of the most critical questions in reliability engineering: How long should a product last? In this episode, we dive into the factors that shape reliability targets, […] The post SOR 1041 Service Life Requirements appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Getting it Right Abstract Philip and Fred discuss the value of precision maintenance. Key Points Join Philip and Fred as they discuss the need to purchase, install, and maintain equipment with precision. Topics include: A mindset to get it right and enjoy the benefits Alignment as an example Rotating equipment benefits significantly with ‘getting it […] The post SOR 1040 Getting it Right appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Competing Risk or Not Abstract Philip and Fred discuss the considerations when the dataset does not have competing risks. Key Points Join Philip and Fred as they discuss the difference in data analysis and results when the dataset does or does not have competing risks of failure. Topics include: What are competing risks? The extreme […] The post SOR 1039 Competing Risk or Not appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

FMEA and AI Abstract Carl and Fred discuss Failure Mode and Effects Analysis and Artificial Intelligence. There are emerging integration opportunities and challenges, which will be discussed in this podcast. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the opportunities and pitfalls to incorporating AI techniques with FMEA. Topics include: Discussion of Automated FMEA versus […] The post SOR 1038 FMEA and AI appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

NUDD Abstract Carl and Fred discuss an interesting question from an Accendo listener. The question has to do with what is called NUDD: New, Unique, Difficult, Different. Specifically the listener’s management wanted to know if their NUDD process could replace FMEA. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they deep dive into NUDD and FMEA. […] The post SOR 1037 NUDD appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Defined Environment Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss that customers may use their products, such as washing machines, in more stressful environments than the design specifies or recommends. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss manufacturers’ specified environmental conditions for use and the fact that most users probably do not know or follow those […] The post SOR 1036 Defined Environment appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Lasting Just Long Enough Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the subject of reliability and how appliance manufacturing companies may design for a limited life in order to sell new models. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the need for companies need to sell the new models of their products and the planned […] The post SOR 1035 Lasting Just Long Enough appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Make it Less Robust Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss requests to engineers to make it less robust. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss the situation where engineers are asked to make something less robust. Topics include: Planned obsolescence and its impact on product design. Designing products to last a specific time, not […] The post SOR 1034 Make it Less Robust appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Conference Value Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss conference value: maximizing the benefits of conferences and assessing their value for participation. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss conference value. Topics include: Discover how to make the most of conferences, beyond just attending sessions. Learn the importance of planning ahead, identifying key sessions, and […] The post SOR 1033 Conference Value appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

What happens when you need to find the reliability of something ... but don't have a lot of data or information in your organization about it? Well ... there is a fair bit of information out there, if you know where to look. But be careful! There's a lot of disinformation as well. So what can you do? The post SOR 1032 Available Reliability Information appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

How do you do 'warranty analysis'? ... hang on ... what is 'warranty analysis'? That means different things for different organizations. Are you trying to understand 'warranty reliability' ... which is all about understanding the likelihood of a product lasting a warranty period. Or are you trying to understand what the 'warranty period' should be? ... or why too many things are failing during your warranty period? This podcast might help! The post SOR 1031 Warranty Analysis for Repairable Systems appeared first on Accendo Reliability.