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Carl S. Carlson — Thought Leader

Author of Inside FMEA articles, FMEA Resources page, and multiple books, and a co-host on Speaking of Reliability.


This author's archive lists contributions of articles and episodes.

About Carl S. Carlson

Carl S. Carlson is a consultant and instructor in the areas of FMEA, reliability program planning and other reliability engineering disciplines, supporting over one hundred clients from a wide cross-section of industries. He has 35 years of experience in reliability testing, engineering, and management positions, including senior consultant with ReliaSoft Corporation, and senior manager for the Advanced Reliability Group at General Motors.

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

SOR 896 Q & R Management: Independence vs. Integration

SOR 896 Q & R Management: Independence vs. Integration

Quality and Reliability Management: Independence vs. Integration

Abstract

Carl and Dianna sharing experiences with different forms of managing quality and reliability activities. The importance of independence was compared to the importance of integrating with the design activities. What works, what doesn’t work, and why?
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

Generic Lists of Failure Information – Good Idea or Not?

Generic Lists of Failure Information – Good Idea or Not?

Are generic lists of failure information useful to FMEA teams? Are they a good idea or not?

There is a lot of discussion amongst FMEA practitioners on automating and standardizing FMEAs. In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons of using generic lists of failure modes, effects and causes.

The Oxford English dictionary defines “generic” as “characteristic of or relating to a class or group of things; not specific.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Inside FMEA Tagged With: Generic phrases

by Carl S. Carlson 3 Comments

SOR 892 Where are FMEAs (and their standards) Heading?

SOR 892 Where are FMEAs (and their standards) Heading?

Where are FMEAs (and their standards) Heading?

Abstract

Carl and Chris discussing the future of FMEA, sharing their vision for where this method is headed.
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

Common FMEA Confusion

Common FMEA Confusion

[Last month I mentioned that the next article would be on the subject of the application of models in the FMEA process. I am postponing that important topic, in order to do more research. Stay tuned . . .]

This month, I want to discuss one of the most common problems that FMEA teams face: getting confused about the difference between failure modes, effects and causes.

“Things are not always as they seem; the first appearance deceives many.” Phaedrus

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Inside FMEA Tagged With: FMEA Confusion

by Carl S. Carlson 2 Comments

SOR 883 How to Start First Job

SOR 883 How to Start First Job

How to Start First Job

Abstract

Carl and Fred sharing suggestions for new reliability engineers on what to do when starting your first job.
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

SOR 882 Operator Error?

SOR 882 Operator Error?

Operator Error?

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing a question from an Inside FMEA reader on the subject of Process FMEA. It brings up a general topic of root cause, and whether assigning the cause to various forms of operator error is useful.
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

SOR 880 Bathtub Curve Flaws

SOR 880 Bathtub Curve Flaws

Bathtub Curve Flaws

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing a reader question having to do with the use of the reliability bathtub curve, including the efficacy of the curve itself.
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

SOR 879 Biggest Reliability Mistakes

SOR 879 Biggest Reliability Mistakes

Biggest Reliability Mistakes

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing some of the biggest reliability mistakes they have seen in their careers, and the lessons learned from those mistakes.
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

FMEA vs FMECA: What’s the Difference?

FMEA vs FMECA: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between FMEA and FMECA? Are they the same or different? The answer may surprise you. Let’s explore this topic.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Inside FMEA Tagged With: FMEA and FMECA

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

SOR 872 Design Process Blindspots

SOR 872 Design Process Blindspots

Design Process Blindspots

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the interesting subject of “blind spots,” and how they can impede good designs.
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson 2 Comments

SOR 871 Giving and a Reliability Career

SOR 871 Giving and a Reliability Career

Giving and a Reliability Career

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing how focusing on helping others can enhance your reliability career and provide a sense of community.
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

SOR 868 Reliability Engineering and AI

SOR 868 Reliability Engineering and AI

Reliability Engineering and AI

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the integration of artificial intelligence with the tools and procedures of reliability engineering.
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

SOR 867 Identify Key Decisions

SOR 867 Identify Key Decisions

Identify Key Decisions

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the integration of reliability activities with engineering decisions, and how to enhance this important intersection.
ᐅ Play Episode

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

Application of Quantitative Criticality Analysis in FMEA

Some defense-related applications require a special type of criticality analysis, called Quantitative Criticality Analysis to supplement FMEA applications. This is the “C” in what is called FMECA: Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis. I’ll shorten Criticality Analysis to CA in this article.

What is Quantitative CA? When and why it is used? Can Quantitative Criticality Analysis be used in commercial applications?

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Inside FMEA Tagged With: Quantitative Criticality Analysis

by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

SOR 858 Reliability Predictions and FMEA Occurrence

SOR 858 Reliability Predictions and FMEA Occurrence

Reliability Predictions and FMEA Occurrence

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing a reader question about FMEAs. Specifically, whether reliability predictions (for similar systems) are valid input to the Occurrence rating in an FMEA.
ᐅ Play Episode

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