Speaking Of Reliability: Friends Discussing Reliability Engineering Topics | Warranty | Plant Maintenance

AI Future of FMEA

AI Future of FMEA Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the use of AI with FMEA, what works and what does not work. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the broad subject of FMEA and AI. We look at early lessons learned, discuss opportunities, and focus on the most important concerns. Topics include: How FMEA can interact with Model-Based Engineering? FMEA pre-population, which fields can be pre-populated and which should not? What is role of human team in FMEA? What are primary ways to reduce FMEA in-meeting time? How do team-based FMEAs, done very well, compare to AI automated FMEAs? How can AI augment well-done FMEAs? What specific support can AI provide to FMEA? AI can review past problems and provide excellent input to new FMEAs Look for areas of concern by proper FMEA team One concern about pre-population: people don’t see what isn’t there Consider AI bot as FMEA team member, with specifically defined role AI cannot replace human creativity and ingenuity Part of the value of FMEA is the deep discussion between subject matter experts AI will not solve potential blind spots AI can help with augmentation for FMEA, but not taking over the FMEA process. Download Audio RSS Show Notes The post SOR 1088 AI Future of FMEA appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

What do Reliability Engineers Do?

What do Reliability Engineers Do? Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss what do Reliability Engineers do? Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss what do Reliability Engineers do? An RE’s role extends far beyond just crunching numbers and running tests. Topics include: How they act as crucial links between diverse teams Their ability to help teams shape decisions that profoundly affect product performance, customer satisfaction, and business outcomes. Bridging departmental silos, managing inherent conflicts, and advocating for the voice of the customer They also talk about why interpersonal skills and the ability to influence are just as vital as technical expertise for a successful reliability engineering career, even if they aren’t taught in school. Enjoy an episode of Speaking of Reliability. Where you can join friends as they discuss reliability topics. Join us as we discuss topics ranging from design for reliability techniques to field data analysis approaches. Download Audio RSS Show Notes In this episode of Speaking of Reliability, Fred Schenkelberg and Dianna Deeney dive into a question: “What does a reliability engineer do?” They quickly establish that while data analysis, regression, and failure analysis are indeed tools they use, these activities do not fully define the job. Fred and Dianna clarify that reliability engineers are fundamentally problem solvers and problem finders, often serving as bridges between different ideas and groups within an organization. They hold an important independent viewpoint and use their tools and data to influence decision-makers, impacting critical aspects like customer satisfaction, product pricing, field longevity, and safety. They emphasize that reliability engineers possess a unique, overarching view of the product due to their extensive collaboration across various departments, including marketing, sales, design, manufacturing, and vendors. This cross-functional engagement allows them to act as advocates for the customer, ensuring the product works reliably in its real-world environment. A key challenge they highlight is the need to prioritize important, preventive work over merely reacting to urgent failures, setting up organizational “guard rails” to systematically prevent problems. They also frequently find themselves managing inter-departmental conflicts arising from differing constraints and perspectives, a role often requiring them to step in and facilitate solutions. Ultimately, Fred and Dianna stress that while a strong technical foundation is essential, the ability to work with and influence people is a crucial, yet often untaught, skill for effective reliability engineering. This interpersonal aspect, combined with their expertise, makes reliability engineering a truly interesting and empowering position within any company. The post SOR 1087 What do Reliability Engineers Do? appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Enough Data?

Enough Data? Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss a common reliability engineering dilemma: do we have enough data? Is data nirvana achievable? Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss a common reliability engineering dilemma: do we have enough data? Is data nirvana achievable? Topics include: Hidden challenges for RE, from too little to overwhelming amounts Departmental silos and data quality nightmares The art of purposeful collection Buy-in for better data and how explaining the ‘why’ behind its collection can transform resistance into collaboration Enjoy an episode of Speaking of Reliability. Where you can join friends as they discuss reliability topics. Join us as we discuss topics ranging from design for reliability techniques to field data analysis approaches. Download Audio RSS Show Notes In this episode of Speaking of Reliability, Fred Schenkelberg and Dianna Deeney tackle a common question for reliability engineers: Do we have enough data to do our job? They discuss the dual challenges of both not having enough, particularly for new and unproven products that require costly testing. On the other hand, we’re sometimes overwhelmed by excessive information without clear direction on its utility. A significant part of their discussion revolves around the accessibility and quality of it. Data often resides in departmental silos (e.g., customer service, finance, manufacturing) that don’t readily share information. They highlight the extensive time spent cleaning up inconsistent, error-prone sources from disparate systems, often finding issues like incorrect data types or format changes. Dianna notes that while information collection falls under management responsibility and quality management systems, reliability engineering often requires advocating for specific needs that might not be captured by standard financial or customer service metrics. They emphasize the importance of foresight and cross-functional collaboration to ensure useful data is collected from the outset, ideally before a product’s market release. This includes identifying critical parameters and coordinating with customer service. Fred shares an insightful anecdote about how poorly designed forms can lead to skewed data, illustrating the need for a “usability engineering” approach even for checklists. They conclude that while obtaining “nirvana” with perfectly trustworthy and available data is rare, explaining the purpose and value of collection can significantly improve buy-in and collaboration across an organization. The post SOR 1086 Enough Data? appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Risk Monitoring Triggers

Risk Monitoring Triggers Abstract Greg and Fred discuss ways to detect and monitor changes in a system.  So, what is the trigger to indicate an event,  threat, or anomaly that can result in a risk.  This becomes critical if you want to focus on the critical few NOT the insignificant many. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss what triggers risk and how to monitor it.  Topics include: What is a risk trigger? How to monitor significant events, threats, and anomalies. How to be proactive, preventive, predictive, and preemptive. How to separate the critical few from the insignificant many. Enjoy an episode of Speaking of Reliability. Where you can join friends as they discuss reliability topics. Join us as we discuss topics ranging from design for reliability techniques to field data analysis approaches. Download Audio RSS Show Notes The post SOR 1085 Risk Monitoring Triggers appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Reliability Allocation

Reliability Allocation Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss various approaches to allocation. Play Episode