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

Implementing Reliability Programs Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the challenges associated with implementing reliability programs. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the execution step of the reliability process. Specifically, how to work with project teams that do not have excellent project management systems, and still successfully execute the tasks in your reliablity […]

Interpreting Test Results Abstract Carl and Fred discussing a listener question about reliability demonstration testing; specifically how to deal with unrelated failures when using “success testing.” Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss “success testing,” and the assumptions and principles that need to be considered. Topics include: Planning and interpreting binomial testing Pass-fail […]

Training and the Trades Abstract James and Fred discussing the impact of the labor shortage on maintenance programs. Key Points Join James and Fred as they discuss the dilemma of attracting the necessary talent that also has the experience and education to file maintenance trade roles, engineering roles, etc. Topics include: The plentiful openings, yet […]

How and What to Learn Abstract James and Fred discussing learning from failures, yet shouldn’t we prevent failures? Key Points Join James and Fred as they discuss the idea of learning from failures when failures are being prevented. What do we focus on when not waiting for failures to occur? Topics include: Importance of learning […]

Reducing the risk of something to a level that is 'as low as reasonably practicable' sounds noble, but in practice often sets up this neverending quest to be able to 'defend' whatever it is you are designing or operating. Which often means that we overlook areas of risk that could get in the way of progress. So what is the answer?

Reliability is often seen as the study of failure of a device or a product. But we are typically more interested in 'services.' If your vehicle works .. great! But what if there is a fuel shortage and you can't refill the tank. Your vehicle still won't go. Think of this from the perspective of a farmer who is trying to work out how to water his cattle. Solar panels can be very reliable ... but they don't work at night or when there is cloud dover. Diesel pumps can work all the time, but require fuel and more maintenance. Can reliability engineering help?

Design Failure Patterns Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing how new technology designs of buildings or electronics are usually over-designed in the first generation. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the possible causes of design failure patterns Topics include: It is likely that the first high rise condos were over-designed with much more […]

Reliability and Simplicity Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing marketing reliability, brand reputation for reliability along with tradeoffs between making equipment simple and reliable. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss a variety of topics around reliability. Topics include: Many times the end user of a critical piece of equipment would prefer an older […]

We like to think that we live and work in an 'evolved' society where we learn from our mistakes, technology is awesome and our knowledge is (historically) unchallengable. But in practice, there are lots of places and industries where warning signs are routinely ignored. And it takes a disaster or catastrophe to trigger change. Why is this?

When is MTBF OK? Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the MTBF … and if and when it can be used … sometimes in reliability engineering. We know that the MTBF is one of the most chronically overused (and misused) so-called ‘reliability’ metrics. But is there scope for it to be used … sometimes? Key Points […]