Absolutely not. This is one of the biggest misconceptions of the RCM process. Discover why it is often wrongly believed that RCM is too difficult to implement.
[Read more…]Is RCM too Difficult to Implement?
Articles
Find all articles across all article series listed in reverse chronological order.
Binomial Distribution and its Applications
Dear friends, we are happy to release this video on Binomial Distribution which is one of the foundations in probability theory! In this video Hemant Urdhwareshe explains how to calculate probability using basic formula, tables and Excel. We have also explained the applicability of Binomial Distribution in various situations. Additionally, the video includes graphical representation of Binomial Distribution using Excel. The video would be useful to all those who want to learn the Binomial Distribution and take the ASQ Certification exams such as CQE, CRE, Six Sigma Black/Green Belt.
[Read more…]Series Kickoff: The Seven Bones of the FINESSE Fishbone Diagram
In the upcoming months, look for an article on each of the seven bones of the FINESSE fishbone diagram. I’ll provide three insights and a three-minute video on each bone. You’ll see the cause-and-effect relationships and why communication is a system just like any other type of physical system. The series is a good introduction for those unfamiliar with FINESSE and a refresher for those who are.
Systems Thinking
A system is a collection of interrelated or interacting parts, each of which can affect the behavior or outcomes of the whole. One defining property of a system is that it provides a function that none of the parts can accomplish by themselves. The corollary is that a system is not the sum of the parts but the product of their interactions.
A communication system is the same as any other system. The good news for technical professionals is that you do not have the best-looking, most eloquent, or smartest person in the room to be an effective communicator. You just need to trust the system.
Operational Data – An Untapped Goldmine
It is becoming more apparent that companies are treating their operational data with the “respect” deserved. About time and if not, then they should start now. Operational Data is typically stored in the CMMS (Computer Maintenance Management System) or historical records repositories.
Data is knowledge. Data is power. Data is the basis of good decision making.
This article also suggests that data could be revenue generator. Therefore, a company’s data is akin to extracting gold from a mine. Like gold, data requires hard work to get and hold on to. Yet, it is highly lucrative when exploited, refined, and traded. The organization running the equipment generates the Operational Data. It can also be generated by a third party. In the following paragraphs, we see the untapped opportunities data and historical records can offer.
[Read more…]People in Maintenance, Reliability and Asset Management Need a Vision AND the Map to Get There
It’s easy to lose your way in maintenance, reliability and enterprise asset management. Without a vision you are aimless. Without a map you are lost. To get maintenance, reliability and enterprise asset management success you must have both the right vision and the correct path to it.
Agile Values Can Significantly Improve Risk Management
Guest Post by Patrick Ow (first posted on CERM ® RISK INSIGHTS – reposted here with permission)
The Agile Manifesto, also called the Manifesto for Agile Software Development, is a formal proclamation of four key values and 12 principles to guide an iterative and people-centric approach to software development.
[Read more…]Unlocking the Power of FMEA: A Guide to Risk-Based Decision Making
By Ray Harkins and Dianna Deeney
As engineering, quality, and product design professionals, we constantly strive to ensure that our products and processes meet the highest standards of reliability and quality. In our pursuit of excellence, one indispensable tool in our arsenal is Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). FMEA offers a structured approach to risk management, enabling us to proactively anticipate potential failures, assess their impact, and prioritize mitigation efforts accordingly. However, the practical implementation of FMEA can sometimes prove challenging. How do we navigate its complexities to derive actionable insights and make informed decisions? Let’s explore some of the key components and best practices of FMEA.
[Read more…]Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices: Time Management
Spending the right time on the right activity. Today this is all about time management and how to organize and plan your time out. this is a significant skill for more than just one role within the maintenance organization.
[Read more…]Understanding the Chi-square Distribution
Institute of Quality and Reliability is happy to release this video to understand chi-square distribution. In this video, Hemant Urdhwareshe explains the chi-square distribution with a simulation to understand it better. Chi-square is one of the basic distributions used in hypothesis tests. The video is limited to understanding of the distribution and explains how to use tables of chi-square distribution. The video will be useful for professionals who want to take the ASQ Certification exams such as CQE, Six SIgma Black or Green Belt, CMQ/OE, CRE etc.
[Read more…]Key Teaching Principle #6: Stories
As covered in the first article in this series, Principles of Effective Teaching, reliability engineers, FMEA team leaders, and other quality and reliability professionals are often called upon to teach the principles of reliability or FMEA. Whether you are a student who wants to enhance your learning experience, an instructor who wants to improve teaching results, or an engineer who wishes to convey knowledge to another person, this series will offer practical knowledge and advice.
Strengthen Your Message with Stories
The shortest distance between truth and a human being is a story. Anthony de Mello
Key Teaching Principle #6 is the instructor uses stories and personal experiences to deepen learning.
Join the Linkedin Group
The Linkedin NoMTBF group is growing and while not very active does have an occasional interesting discussion. Join the discussion and maybe relate how you have raised awareness around the proper use of MTBF.
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1857182/
[Read more…]Why Various Distributions Are Appropriate
Why are Weibull, lognormal, and exponential distributions more appropriate than others for modeling failure distributions?
In this article, I want to show you why Weibull, lognormal, and exponential distributions are more appropriate than others for modeling failure distributions. Instead of starting from the explanation of the most used fitting distributions in reliability engineering, I will begin with the analysis of artificial datasets created assuming specific failure behaviors. In other words, I will start from the data and not from the statistical distributions. I think that this approach can help those who deal with this topic for the first time.
[Read more…]Role of MSDS Sheet in Maintenance: Why MSDS Sheets Are Essential?
For many in the maintenance field, the day-to-day tasks can feel routine. Fix a leaky faucet, replace a worn belt, and ensure everything is running smoothly – it’s a process that becomes second nature. But beneath the surface of these seemingly straightforward actions lies a critical component that can safeguard both worker safety and equipment longevity: the MSDS sheet, also known as the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Let’s learn what does MSDS stand for. [Read more…]
Eliminating Microstructure Failures
The only true way to prevent asset failure is to prevent the causes of microstructure failure from occurring.
Machines fail when their component’s microstructure is degraded or deformed to a point where it can no longer bear the load. If you prevent degradation and deformation from occurring a machine and its components will provide an exceptional lifetime. However, you must do this at every phase of the asset’s life cycle to get world class reliability.
[Read more…]Culture Still Eats Strategy for Breakfast
Guest Post by Bill Pomfret (first posted on CERM ® RISK INSIGHTS – reposted here with permission)
It took us years to move from top-down to people-centric management, but the journey was worth it Peter Drucker once said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Throughout my career, I have spent a lot of time in the strategy room. But no matter what we decided there, until we got the organizational culture right, we were unsuccessful in executing our goals.
[Read more…]