Two Approaches Abstract Chris and Fred use the safe return of the Boeing Starliner … without the crew! What does this tell us about its safety and reliability? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss the recent incident involving the Boeing Starliner crew module that managed to get a crew to the International Space Station (ISS) but was not …

The Trouble with Habits Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the issues we often have with ‘habits.’ Habits can be good for us. But ‘bad habits’ are just that. Ever heard the excuse ‘but that’s the way we have always done it?’ Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how ‘habits’ dominate our lives … both for better for worse. So what does this me…

Design Justice Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss design justice: what it means for engineers in industry. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss design justice from the point of view of design processes in industry. Topics include: How industry relates to design justice ideas. Shifting roles in design. Ways to incorporate design justice int…

Uneasiness with AI Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss sources of uneasiness with AI and its use within industry. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss sources of uneasiness with AI. Topics include: The challenge of AI to authenticity. Integrating AI into our current processes and what that could mean for reliability. The availability of AI:…

Reliability and Vacations Abstract Chris and Fred discuss reliability engineering … and vacations/holidays! … how are we going to make this topic relevant … Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how vacations, holidays, and breaks in general can be really beneficial to what you do. And it’s not just about balance. Topics include: Go for a …

Doing Calculations Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how to calculate ‘confidence’ and other things regarding probability and statistics … particularly as it applies to reliability! Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how we go about calculating things like the ‘confidence’ in the outputs … that other equations give us! Wow. What are we ta…

Pace of Facilitating Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the ideal pace for teaching and facilitating teams. Too fast and students or team members cannot keep up. Too slow and the team loses interest. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how to set the right pace for teaching or facilitating teams. Topics include: Whether you are facilitating a…

Reliability Ethics Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the broad subject of reliability ethics, what it means, and how it impacts reliability professionals. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the role of reliability engineers when facing ethical decisions and circumstances. Topics include: The role of company culture in defining acceptable be…

Tech Obsolescence Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss long-term reliability and the speed of technological obsolescence. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the rapid pace of technological obsolescence and the need to upgrade devices before they wear out Topics include: One of the most successful computer manufacturers controls both the softwa…

Confirmation Bias with HALT Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the problem or benefits of having confirmation bias, where we accept or reject test results based on expectations. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how confirmation bias may result in misunderstanding of the goals of HALT evaluations. Topics include: We are performing HALT on a…

Risk of Persistence Abstract Greg and Fred discuss the risks of persisting in a project or in life when you know there are risks. In poker terms, “do you hold em’ or fold em’? What do companies do when they’ve sunk a lot of costs and know the ROI of their project is vaporizing? What do you do when you know you’re losing. Fight on. Or, walk away. Th…

Decline of Quality Abstract Greg and Fred discuss the future of quality and reliability professions. The average age of the quality professional is getting older. Fewer people are entering the profession. So, where is the profession going? Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss what’s happening to quality profession where many products are b…

Practice Data Sets Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the ability to get ‘data sets’ to practice reliability analysis on! … sounds like a party … Key Points Join Chris and Fred respond to a listener who wants ‘practice data’ to hone their data analysis skills! Awesome … but where is it? Topics include: Textbooks often contain ‘sanitized’ data. That is…

The 1,000th Episode Abstract Kirk and Fred and a long-time listener, Nik Sharpe, discuss the long history of doing this podcast from the first Speaking of Reliability podcast SOR #1, “Can you pass HALT?” recorded June 20th, 2015, to this 1000th episode. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss with Nik how and why he found the Speaking of Reli…

Product Life Time Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how long stuff lasts! … or how long something should last! … how do you ‘know’ what it should be? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they respond to a question from one of our listeners about how long something should last. Specifically, our listener proposed that the lifetime of a product should be …

Reliability and Politics Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how reliability can sometimes be linked to politics (… at least in some way). Is this an experience you share? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss the role politics plays in reliability engineering and reliability endeavors. Because it is unfortunately prevalent … Topics include: T…

Preparing to Interview Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how to make a good impression when interviewing for a reliability engineering position. How do you prepare? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss what you can do to prepare for a (new?) career in reliability engineering. What can you do to prepare yourself to make a fantastic impressio…

FMEA and Hazard Analysis Abstract Carl and Fred discuss a reader question about FMEA and Hazard Analysis and whether or not they can be combined into a single analysis. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the difference between FMEA and Hazard Analysis. Topics include: FMEA and Hazard Analysis have some similarity of teams; difference is …

Hidden Reliability Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the challenges of hidden reliability problems, especially issues that are certain to occur, but not easily observed. When failures are invisible or hidden, they can be missed or ignored. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the importance of making reliability issues visible. Topics include…

Introducing Risk Management Plan Abstract Greg and Fred discuss why risk is becoming a personal issue to home owners and to all of us. They discuss aging infrastructure risk, who pays, and how to mitigate these risks. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss infrastructure risks of aging water, sewage, and power systems. Topics include: What a…

What Happened to Quality? Abstract Greg and Fred discuss quality from engineering and quality points of view. Greg is developing AI engineering applications. Greg wants to build, ship, and monetize. Fred wants to build quality in. What do you think is the right way? Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss what’s happened to quality from criti…

Past Good and Bad Knowledge Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the so-called ‘bedrock documents and statistics’ that are used over and over again as if they are universally correct – even though they might have nothing to do with ‘your’ machines or systems. WHY? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss the role that documents that are quoted as …

What is MLE? Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the three-letter acronym ‘MLE’ stands for? Well, it stands for ‘maximum likelihood estimate.’ Ever heard of it? Do you know what it means? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss what the MLE or ‘maximum likelihood estimate’ means … usually when using software to conduct data analysis. Topics incl…

Impact of IoT on Maintenance Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on maintenance and the data feedback to the manufacturer on usage and failure data. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss on the new capabilities of products to connect with the Internet and how they open up more detailed and widespread de…

No Trouble Found Issue Abstract Kirk and Fred delve into the crucial topic of managing returned parts and products, even those that are functioning perfectly. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss why parts or products returned to the manufacturer seem to have no failure on their test bench. Topics include: The cost of production loss can b…

Difference Between Quality and Reliability Statistics Abstract Philip and Fred discuss some of the basic differences and similarities between these two types of statistical toolsets. Key Points Join Philip and Fred as they discuss why it’s best to fully understand and use all the available statistial tools when faced with either quality or reliabil…

Dealing with Missing Data Abstract Philip and Fred discuss a few challenges and approaches to deal with missing data. Key Points Join Philip and Fred as they discuss what can be done when a dataset has missing data. Topics include: Data collection and storage issues Dealing with data points within the overall dataset Dealing with missing left censo…

Pushing the Limits Abstract Greg and Fred discuss pushing the limits for personal and professional development. Greg discusses wearing a pink tutu to Oregon Country Faire and Burning Man. Fred discusses pushing the limits for product testing and product development. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss pushing personal, design, and testing…

Pursuing Ribbons Abstract Greg and Fred discuss the importance of the pursuit of ribbons. What are ribbons? They are the badges, degrees, brands, and certificates that we all strive for. They confer knowledge, skills, and abilities to others. They are the things of life that we do for personal improvement and enrichment. Greg believes the pursuit o…

Instead of Reliability Prediction Abstract Chris and Fred discuss reliability prediction and how it can relate to the ‘design’ phase when there is no data. How do you ‘predict reliability?’ Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss what reliability prediction is. There are quite a few answers to this question … and some of them can be helpful!…

Good Reliability Testing Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the difference between good and poor reliability testing. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss what makes a meaningful and valuable reliability test. And more importantly, how to use test results to make valuable decisions. And to make a decision – you need to read the reports! Topi…

High Precision Planning and Maintenance Abstract Philip and Fred discuss new shiny objects and why digital twins and IIOT will not solve your core problems. High Precision Planning (HPP) supports High Precision Maintenance (HPM) which is a program running in elite industries today. The emphasis on HPP is an absolute requirement to achieve HPM. The …

Asset Management vs Performance Abstract Philip and Fred discuss the important differences between Asset Management “Systems” and “Asset Performance”. Philip has been teaching at the university level for over 10 years as an industry expert and has concluded that adherence to Asset Management System and certification does not equate into great asset…

Effect and Likelihood Abstract Carl and Fred discuss a listener question on FMEA, about reducing the severity level through mitigation strategy. Specifically, can FMEA reduce the likelihood of the effect of failure? Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how FMEA deals with mitigation of the Effect of failure. Topics include: How design chan…

Conveying FMEA Results Abstract Carl and Fred discuss an interesting listener question. The listener’s management asked him to create an “eye-popping” chart that summarizes the results on an FMEA. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how best to share the results of an FMEA with management or engineering. The emphasis is on visually convey…

Supply Management and Context Abstract Greg and Fred discuss why today’s business model is often based on managing an organization’s brand and outsourcing design, reliability, and quality. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss supply context and risk. Topics include: Changes in today’s business and operating models. Changes in how suppliers…

Telling the Boss NO Abstract Greg and Fred discuss work communications and job politics. Greg takes the management point of view. Fred advocates the individual contributor point of view. Key Points Have you ever told your boss ‘NO’? Join Greg and Fred as they discuss boss requirements and individual work expectations. Topics include: How to share b…

Reliability in a Short Term Org Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the problems we experience when we are in an organization with very ‘short-term’ thinking. What can we do? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how challenging it can be to work in an organization that perhaps one day had a long-term goal or vision, but now has a vicious focu…

Eye-Popping Stunning Results Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the challenge of being asked by someone to show (or visualize) stunning, eye-popping results for some reliability activity. How do we do this? Is this possible? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how we go about demonstrating stunning, eye-popping results for the amount of res…

New Position Advice Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the advice we would give a engineer just starting a career in Reliability Engineering Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the way to best way to learn and apply the many tools and methodology of reliability engineering. Topics include: First seek to understand the history of failures in t…

Reliability Allocation Methods Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss reliability allocations for individual components and subsystems. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss a question from one of our listeners and why solid state electronics and mechanical systems have significant differences in the intrinsic life entitlements and have to be analy…

An Idea Short Explainer Videos Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how short, 1-minute explainer videos could help reliability engineers … especially new ones! Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how people new to the topic can start immersing themselves in reliability engineering … but in an engaging and ‘easy’ way. We think that perhaps on…

FRACAS and CMMS Abstract Chris and Fred discuss what Failure Reporting and Corrective Action Systems (FRACAS) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CSSM) are … and what they are not … and how they relate. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss both the Failure Reporting and Corrective Action System (FRACAS) and Computerized Maint…

What is a Mode? Abstract Carl and Fred discuss why understanding the mode of failure is essential in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how the Mode of failure is used in FMEA and other methods. Topics include: Examples of mode of failure Common misunderstandings about Failure Mode What is observable is…

Common Reliability Mistakes Abstract Carl and Fred discuss some of the most common reliability mistakes they have seen in their careers, both ones they have personally made or viewed. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss common erroneous assumptions and other types of mistakes and how to avoid them. Topics include: Not knowing how to inter…

Selecting Tools to Solve Problems Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss selecting tools to solve problems that are outside of the workplace, too! Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss selecting tools to solve problems that are outside of the workplace, too! Topics include: The many controllable variables of app-enabled coffee machines. How too…

Are Silos an Issue? Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss workplace politics: are silos an issue? Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss workplace politics: are silos an issue? Topics include: What silos are, what they may look like, and the ways they are formed. The effects of silos on projects and teams. You are needed to bridge silos and fac…

Why is PoF so Hard? Abstract Chris and Fred discuss why the Physics of Failure (PoF) is hard to model? … or is it? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how the Physics of Failure (PoF) is seen as hard to use to model time to failure of something. It usually needs a detailed equation or formula to model how long it takes for something to f…

MTBF, Really? Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the MTBF … again. And again. People don’t (want to) get it. So here we go again … Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss the MTBF and why it should virtually never be used. Why? Topics include: What’s wrong with the MTBF when it comes to reliability? When we assume that the only thing we need to…

Finding Failures and Firefighting Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss new product market release schedule pressures, and then after customers start finding reliability issues, the actual firefighting begins. Many times, those who quickly can fix the causes of failures, the firefighters, get many more accolades than those who find and mitigate product we…