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 ...
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 […]
Creativity and Engineering Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the broad subject of creativity, and how it applies to engineering activities, including reliability engineering. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss creativity in engineering. Topics include: What is creativity? Book: Serious Creativity Creative challenge in recruiting interview Kids are inherently creative Odyssey of the […]
Short Term Thinking Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the problem with short-term thinking; and the benefits of long-term thinking in the field of reliability engineering and management. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the time span for reliability programs, and what happens when the focus is primarily on problem fixing, and not […]
We often hear the term 'reliability demonstration testing' ... but what does that mean? It doesn't always mean we demonstrate 'real-world' reliability ... in spite of what the standards might say. And there are better ways. Interested? ... listen to this podcast!
Perils of Assuming a Model Abstract Chris and Fred discuss some of the issues you face when selecting a (potentially incorrect) model. And how much uncertainty still remains when you do. Hate statistics … but need a nice and easy introduction to this sort of stuff? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss […]
Public Reporting of Failures Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing the challenges of failure analysis and reporting of the root cause of electronic system failures and corrective action to the consuming public Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss product failure reporting to the public. Topics include: Backblaze, a data storage company, publishes the […]
Heroes versus Prevention Abstract Kirk and Fred discussing why the service departments will get more accolades for repairing failed systems than those in design department that find and prevent failures during development. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the challenges of making prevention of failures a higher value and more visible to […]
Selecting the Right Recommendations Abstract Carl and Fred discussing methods for selecting reliability recommendations, following the process used to develop effective reliability plans. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss a student question. How do you select the right recommendations? Topics include: Start with reliability gap analysis Consider organizational maturity Consider program decisions […]
Pareto was Right Abstract Carl and Fred discussing the subject of prioritizing tasks, both in life, and in the field of reliability engineering. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they talk about Pareto, his life and contributions. Discussion topics include the 80-20 rule, and how it can be applied in reliability engineering. Topics include: […]
Should We Ban the Term Failure? Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the term ‘failure’ … and should we use it? Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how important words can be … and how they can have a positive effect on behaviors. And sometimes they can just be simple labels that change […]
What is getting 'wrapped around the axle?' It means you get so focused or so involved in something or someone that whatever happens to it happens to you. Like the truth. Or things that we assume to be true. We often get so focussed on adhering to an assumption or a model that we are told to use that we exclude or stop thinking about our own product, system or service.
Military Customers, Center of Gravity, and Reliability Abstract Chris and Kirk discuss how militaries go about making and getting reliable stuff. And this is sometimes more successful than others … Key Points Join Chris and Kirk as they discuss how military equipment is ‘made’ reliable, or procured in a way that promotes reliability. And regardless […]
FMEAs and Percentage Reduction in Failures Abstract Chris and Carl ask each other … by how much do FMEAs improve reliability? … or reduce failure? Key Points Join Chris and Carl as they discuss what benefits you can expect from doing a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). And by benefits … what fraction of […]
Design reviews can sometimes be awful. And this can often occur when we focus religiously on 'meeting requirements.' We only meet requirements at the end of the design process - so what do we talk about during the 17 design reviews that happen before then? Sometimes we devolve into a courtroom where the design team leads are presumed 'guilty' of something and need to convince the judges that they have been working really, really hard. Sounds familiar? Listen to this podcast.
