Analysis vs Test for Reliability Work
Abstract
Adam and Fred discussing when a program should use analysis for reliability measurement and improvement vs testing.
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SOR 465 Analysis vs Test for Reliability Work
Speaking of Reliability
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SOR 464 The Gist of Reliability
The Gist of Reliability
Abstract
Chris and Fred discuss the ‘gist’ of reliability. Fred was recently asked to be part of a panel to a number ‘hardware startups’ and was asked … what is the ‘gist’ of reliability? We try and answer that question as simply as possible in this podcast. The thing is … reliability will happen. Ignoring it doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Reliability is an outcome of your decisions and the design choices you make. The harder you work on it, the closer reliability will be to what you expect. So do you want to learn what the ‘gist’ of reliability is? Well, listen to this podcast.
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SOR 463 What is an Outlier?
What is an Outlier?
Abstract
Chris and Fred discuss the concept of an ‘outlier.’ Depending on the definition, an outlier is something that is different, non-representative or somehow separate from the ‘main body’ of something. We often use the term ‘outlier’ when it comes to statistical analysis of something – specifically when we see something that is beyond what we expect to see. So what do we do with ‘outliers’ … particularly when it comes to reliability analysis? It may be tempting to exclude them (particularly if it makes the outcome of your analysis ‘better’!). We have not seen the exclusion of ‘outliers’ have a happy ending when it comes to reliability. Would you like to learn more? Listen to this podcast!
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SOR 462 The FMEA Overreach Syndrome
The FMEA Overreach Syndrome
Abstract
Carl and Fred discussing the role of FMEA in product and process development, and how to supplement or replace FMEA with other tools, when appropriate.
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SOR 461 The Big Reliability Myths
Top Ten Reliability Myths
Abstract
Carl and Fred discussing some of the biggest myths surrounding reliability, based on their experience in managing reliability programs.
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SOR 460 The Number One Challenge for HALT
The Number One Challenge for HALT
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discussing the common response from design engineers when a weakness is found in HALT that is well outside the specifications
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SOR 459 Where to Learn About HALT Today
Where to Learn About HALT Today
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discussing a little of the history of Kirk’s working with Dr. Gregg Hobbs, PE, the former IEEE/CPMT technical group Accelerated Stress Testing and Reliability and the future of promoting and teaching the use of HALT and HASS.
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SOR 458 Testing in the Flat Part of the Curve
Testing in the Flat Part of the Bathtub Curve
Abstract
Chris and Fred discuss the question posed to us by one of our listeners regarding the ‘flat’ bottom of the ‘bathtub curve.’ Just a bit of background – the ‘bathtub curve’ represents the hazard rate of a system. That is, it helps us understand the probability that a product that works ‘now’ will fail. The ‘flat’ part of the curve is often cited as the ‘random’ part of the curve where failure is caused by environmental overstress conditions. So how do we test for this part of the curve? … but hang on – is the ‘bathtub curve’ even a thing? Is it even relevant for the useful life of a product? If this intrigues you, listen to this podcast!
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SOR 457 Is Maintainability Only About Repair Time?
Is Maintainability Only About Repair Time?
Abstract
Chris and Fred discuss one of the most popular interpretations of maintainability which is based on how long it takes to maintain something. We see so many textbooks and guides that focus on this metric as the only maintainability measure. But is this really all that matters? What about the number of technicians required? … the number of tools required? … the training required for these technicians? … the mass of these tools? Does reliability matter? Yes to all these things. But how does they relate to the time-based definition? They don’t. Listen to this podcast to learn more.
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SOR 456 Reliability Still Not a Solo Activity
Reliability Still Not a Solo Activity
Abstract
Adam and Fred discussing how reliability still suffers as a solo activity in programs
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SOR 455 Decision Making and Reliability
Decision Making and Reliability
Abstract
Adam and Fred discussing how program decisions are made regarding reliability
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SOR 454 What if You Make it Too Reliable?
What if You Make it Too Reliable?
Abstract
Chris and Fred often hear at least one person (or a small group of people) challenge your ‘cultural’ reliability improvement initiative. We hear things like ‘but to make it very reliable, it becomes too heavy or expensive.’ We also hear things like ‘but to make it very reliable, we need to invest lots of money for something the customer won’t buy.’ If you boil their complaints down or get to the hub of their issue … they are really suggesting that we do ‘reliability things’ without thinking. A checklist of activities that may or may not be valuable. This could not be further from what actually happens in reality. It never happens. Listen to this podcast to learn more.
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SOR 453 How to Balance Reliability vs New Tech
How to Balance Reliability vs New Tech
Abstract
Chris and Fred discuss how we balance … or incorporate new technology with reliability. Is reliability something that only comes with legacy or age? … as in old technology? Can you make a product that is based on new technology and have it reliable? … are these concepts mutually exclusive? If we look at this from an ‘asset management’ perspective, there is a movement out there that we need things like increasingly sophisticated sensing technology to ensure reliability, availability, throughput or whatever it is we are trying to improve. From a ‘developmental product’ perspective, does new technology mean ‘all bets are off’ when it comes to reliability? Well … we talk about these things in this podcast. ᐅ Play Episode
SOR 452 Is Meeting the Standard Enough
Is Meeting the Standard Enough?
Abstract
Carl and Fred discussing a question: is meeting regulatory standards sufficient to ensure a product is safe and reliable?
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SOR 451 Risk Identification Tools and Use
Risk-Identification Tools and Their Use
Abstract
Carl and Fred discussing risk-identification tools, one of the four categories of reliability tools.
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