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

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 […] The post SOR 1121 The Role of Stories appeared first on Accendo 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 […] The post SOR 1120 Asking Questions appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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. The post SOR 1119 EV Charging Stations appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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, […] The post SOR 1118 Redundancy and Culture appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Supplier Trust Issues Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss supplier trust issues

What Counts as a Failure? Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the analysis of what can or should be considered a failure.

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.

Listening and Reliability Engineering Abstract Carl and Fred discuss why the skill of listening is essential to successful application of reliability engineering.

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 […] The post SOR 1113 Data Usage appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1112 Quality Management Systems appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1111 Customer Service and AI appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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: […] The post SOR 1110 Consumer Electronics and Cars appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1109 Planned Obsolescence appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1108 Training Options appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1107 Failure Mechanism Awareness appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1106 What’s So Hard About Planning appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1105 Office Hours, Plus appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1104 Overcoming Product Protections for HALT appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 post SOR 1103 HALT Late in the Program appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1102 The Trouble with Interfaces appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1101 Team Creativity Techniques appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1100 How Do we Set Reliability Requirements? appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1099 How Do we Set Reliability Requirements? appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1098 Special Characteristics appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1097 How HA and FMEA Relate appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1096 How FMEA Worksheets can Help (and Hinder) appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1095 Reliability Engineering and Artificial Intelligence appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1094 Show Me the Money appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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, […] The post SOR 1093 Quality and Reliability Disrupted appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1092 Risk or Safety Triggers appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1090 Connectors appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1089 10 Gems Career Start Advice appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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: […] The post SOR 1088 AI Future of FMEA appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1087 What do Reliability Engineers Do? appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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 […] The post SOR 1086 Enough Data? appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Risk Monitoring Triggers Abstract Greg and Fred discuss ways to detect and monitor changes in a system. So, what is the trigger to indicate an event, threat, or anomaly that can result in a risk. This becomes critical if you want to focus on the critical few NOT the insignificant many. Key Points Join Greg […] The post SOR 1085 Risk Monitoring Triggers appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Reliability Allocation Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss various approaches to allocation. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss the pros and cons of different approaches to reliability goal allocation for subsystems and components. Topics include: Is there value in allocation goals for each component in a system? What is the purpose of allocation? […] The post SOR 1084 Reliability Allocation appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Portable Device Feasibility Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how we assess product feasibility … at the concept stage! Great topic. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss product feasibility when it is nothing more than a concept. There is a lot to unpack here! This comes from a question raised by a Singaporean […] The post SOR 1083 Portable Device Feasibility appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Equations for Goal Setting Abstract Chris and Fred discuss what equations (if any) exist for setting and optimizing reliability goals … sometimes trading off against other goals. Wo … Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss equations that exist to help you come up with and optimize reliability goals and targets. This comes […] The post SOR 1082 Equations for Goal Setting appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

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.