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Replacing MTBF with Bx

Replacing MTBF with Bx

A Guest Post by Jim McLeish titled:

Replacing MTBF/MTTF with Bx/Lx Reliability Metrics 

Jim McLeish – Mid-West Regional Manager – DfR Solutions
(Rochester Hills Michigan)

jmcleish@dfrsolutions.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcleish 

Expanded from the RIAC Reliability Information Analysis Center Linkedin Group Discussion on

“Great challenge for change from Fred – No MTBF!”

“Endless discussion and it seems there’s no real solution to get rid of MTBF”

See original and ongoing Linkedin discussion here.

 

I am absolutely astonished that the reliability profession and its noted experts are unable to develop a better metric to characterize reliability performance and specify reliability requirements.  I respectfully submit that there is a simple and eloquent solution that has successfully been used in the ball bearing and machine industry for decades (that actually predates MTBF/MTTF), that should be considered as a replacement to MTBF/MTTF. [Read more…]

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Someone had to do it

Take on MTBF, that is.

In a conversion with a colleague I mentioned the amount of traffic the NoMTBF site has been enjoying. For what started simply as a device for a discussion, the No MTBF movement has turned into quite an endeavor. We talked about the idea that unless someone starts and stays with the effort, MTBF will continue to erode the credibility of reliability engineering. We talked about the idea that unless we started the discussion to only use MTBF when it is proper to do so, that we would be plagued by the rampant misunderstanding and misuse for decades to come.

[Read more…]

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Teacher and Student

Reliability engineer as teacher and student

Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune. ~ Jim Rohn

The learning never stops. As a reliability engineer we constantly have something to learn. For those unfamiliar with reliability engineering, they have a lot to learn. From new [Read more…]

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Value

Adding value to build your career

As a reliability engineer we work across the organization to bring a reliable product to market. The value of meeting the customers reliability expectations results in customer satisfactions, increased sales and in some cases premium pricing. We want a reliable product. Being a pivotal element in the process means you have provided value to the organization and to their customers. [Read more…]

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Networked and Positive

The benefits of being networked and positive

Part of what appears to be a series on what it takes to be a really good reliability engineer.

Networked

For professionals knowing enough of the right people, helping them solve issues, and asking them for assistance when needed is essential. This is what I mean by networking. [Read more…]

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Nuclear Power Plant Electronic System Reliability Study

Nuclear Power Plant Electronic System Reliability Study

by Andrew Rowland, CRE – a contributed paper.

Andrew is back with a paper describing using non-parametric approach to maintenance data. While not mentioning MTBF (which is good) the paper does provide alternatives to using a overly simply (i.e. MTBF) analysis of maintenance data.

A well written case study and analysis will provide you inspiration to try it yourself. [Read more…]

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USAF and MTBF

A friend and colleague brought a thesis paper by Louis J Hogge to my attention. Titled “Effective Measurement of Reliability of Repairable USAF Systems, the document proceeds to recommend the US Air Force to stop using MTBF and related measures and instead to use Mean Cumulative Functions (MCF) instead. [Read more…]

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MTBF Alternative

There are Alternatives to using MTBF

Just a quick note this week to pass along a message from Michael. He’s conducted a bit of research on Mean Cumulative Function and found a few papers. And, according to Michael’s request I’m working on a short introductory tutorial for those new to MCF. [Read more…]

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Ethics and MTBF

The Ethics of MTBF

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) has a code of ethics. As expected. Other professional groups also have similar code of ethics that provide guidance to their members and set expectations for everyone.

[Read more…]

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Bathtub Myth

A Question about the Bathtub Myth

Question:

Do all components follow the bathtub curve? Is it possible to generate a bathtub curve for a component?

Thanks for your thoughts and insights!

V.

Response:

This is a good question. [Read more…]

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NoMTBF Non-Users Group

Let’s Create a NoMTBF Non-User’s Group Today

We do it right!

Those that read this blog regularly know that I, along with many others, have some passion for the eradication of MTBF from common use. We make arguments, create examples, describe the errors and encourage using other methods. The campaign seems to be going along well. Yet MTBF is still in use – in standards, in certifications, and even taught by those that should really know better. We’re making progress, but there is much more yet to do. [Read more…]

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Please don’t remove MTBF, part 2

Please don’t remove MTBF, part 2

This note is the second part of my response to a forum entry by HL concerning two arguments he is attempting to refute. Of course, my arguments for the eradication of MTBF may stir up some resistance. My plea to use a better approach may challenge the status quo or ruffle a few feathers. So be it. That is expected. [Read more…]