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

The Trouble with Habits Abstract Chris and Fred discuss the issues we often have with ‘habits.’ Habits can be good for us. But ‘bad habits’ are just that. Ever heard the excuse ‘but that’s the way we have always done it?’ Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how ‘habits’ dominate our lives … both for better for worse. So what does this mean? Topics include: Decisions are about CONFIDENCE.  You can be ‘confident’ to make the right decision because you fundamentally know and understand all aspects of a problem, and know what will remedy it. Another form of ‘confidence’ occurs when you look for standards or procedures to comply with … which usually only happens when you don’t know and understand all aspects of a problem. You can get ‘confidence’ from having what appears to be a water-tight legal contract. You can also get ‘confidence’ from simply doing what has always been done. So not all CONFIDENCE is equal. And it comes down to culture. If you are a leader, and want to look for someone to blame when something goes wrong, then you are creating an organization that is based on ‘confidence’ from doing what has always been done. So no one risks anything. Nothing changes. You slowly drift toward mediocrity, and then to irrelevance. The best form of CONFIDENCE is the stuff you get from KNOWLEDGE. Which again comes down to leadership. If people make the right decision based on seeking information on hand and using it, AND you reward that decision even if the outcome is not optimal or desirable … great! This means you become an organization that fails fast, and fails your way to the top. You are actively pushing the boundaries of your organization’s knowledge by having this mindset. And this is what you tend to see in true industry leaders. So what organization is yours? But don’t get LAZY. If you used Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) for a component last year to great effect … that doesn’t mean that this is the right thing for all components moving forward. 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 1012 The Trouble with Habits appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Design Justice Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss design justice: what it means for engineers in industry. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss design justice from the point of view of design processes in industry. Topics include: How industry relates to design justice ideas. Shifting roles in design. Ways to incorporate design justice into your work. Velcro for mars rovers, sandbags on circuit boards, and high-tech theatre sets 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 Dianna and Fred talk about what design justice means to engineers in industry. Key Points: The Evolution of Design Justice: Understand how the principles of design justice, rooted in community, politics, and economics, are being applied to modern engineering practices. The Shifting Role of the Designer: Explore the transition from the designer as a sole decision-maker to a collaborative facilitator working alongside communities and customers. Dianna and Fred talk about the mindset shift needed to be successful. The Shifting Role of the Customer in Design: Discover how involving communities and customers in the design process leads to more equitable and innovative solutions. Instead of customer focus groups and gathering feedback on prototypes, the customers are actively designing. Design Justice and Other Methods: Dianna and Fred talk about how design justice relates to other design methods, including Design for Usability. They share stories of how design justice can lead to simplicity in solutions. Listen-in to get practical advice on how to implement design justice principles in your own work, including focusing on the design process, offering options, and embracing a collaborative “yes, and” approach. See this link for the 10 Design Justice Network Principles. The post SOR 1011 Design Justice appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Uneasiness with AI Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss sources of uneasiness with AI and its use within industry. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss sources of uneasiness with AI. Topics include: The challenge of AI to authenticity. Integrating AI into our current processes and what that could mean for reliability. The availability of AI: it’s challenges for computing power and source data. How to approach AI right now for tomorrow. Artists, technical writing, flowcharts, and tomato processing. 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 There is a general uneasiness with AI with some in industry, but it can be hard to really get to the root of why. Dianna and Fred discuss what they’ve been hearing from others. There’s an unease about authenticity. AI challenges the idea that humans are unique in thought and creativity in art, writing, and more. There is an increase practice of listing “this will be done by humans” in services and products (things like resumes, technical papers, and more). AI is forcing a restructuring of how professionals structure fees, from time-based to result-based. Integration of AI is becoming commonplace. The integration of AI in so many daily tools are now competing with each other. The interfaces of AI with other logic tools – what are the failure points? Using AI can complicate what should really be simple. Just because we can doesn’t mean it adds value. AI is available, or is it? There is a huge computational cost for using AI. Most are not really knowing what to use AI for and how. We’re still figuring it out. All knowledge is not available. Trade secrets are limiting databases. How can we approach AI right now for tomorrow? What questions do you have for Fred and Dianna? Try asking AI to generate a list of five potential questions to ask, then let us know! The post SOR 1010 Uneasiness with AI appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Reliability and Vacations Abstract Chris and Fred discuss reliability engineering … and vacations/holidays! … how are we going to make this topic relevant … Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how vacations, holidays, and breaks in general can be really beneficial to what you do. And it’s not just about balance. Topics include: Go for a walk. Engineers, designers and technicians often get tied into the mindset of not finishing the job until it is finished. But the problem with this is that if you don’t allow yourself breaks, then your efficiency and productivity goes down. Especially when it comes to software coding. Just going for a routine walk allows your brain to reset, and you will get the job done faster as a result! OK … but still not sold on this ‘new age’ lazy approach to work. Really? How many times have you spent furiously solving the wrong problem? Einstein famously said that if he had one hour to save the world he would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem and only five minutes finding the solution. But this is something many engineers, designers, technicians and maintainers forget. They are so not-used to taking breaks that they feel like they need to be doing something all the time. And taking the time to define (or perhaps ponder) the problem feels like a break. Focus on the DECISION. And one of the best ways of working out what the right decision you need to inform is often happens when you take a break. Once you are furiously exerting effort, there is no time to think about whether or not the effort you expend is actually helpful. So take a break! 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 1009 Reliability and Vacations appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Doing Calculations Abstract Chris and Fred discuss how to calculate ‘confidence’ and other things regarding probability and statistics … particularly as it applies to reliability! Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss how we go about calculating things like the ‘confidence’ in the outputs … that other equations give us! Wow. What are we talking about here? Topics include: Equations give us numbers. Like the reliability estimate of a product at two years based on a combination of test and field data. And there are some issues here. With like to think that these equations we find in textbooks are objective. But … there are equations based on different approaches. So they aren’t objective (such as regression on ‘x’ versus Maximum Likelihood Estimate – MLE). Both those horrible terms in the brackets are different approaches to fitting the ‘line of best fit.’ So you need to choose the approach you like … making everything subjective. Confidence is (an emotion) that is a measure of you. But we often talk about it as if it is an objective number. So you might use one of the two approaches in the point above … but how ‘confident’ are you that the output from one approach is correct versus the other? If the data we are trying to fit that line to is from a random process, there will always be some uncertainty (lack of confidence). Some software packages give ‘confidence intervals’ … like the 90 % confidence region that the true line lies. But how does this work? So what do you need to do? Understand. If you are just wanting a number so you can move on … you are not the listener we are after. Otherwise, take the time to understand where the calculation comes from, what competing approaches there are, and what might go wrong. But most of all, you need to understand the decision you are trying to make. And if you understand the decision … then you might not need a lot of ‘confidence’ in some of your outputs to make the right decision. Or you might not need to use calculate anything at all! 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 1008 Doing Calculations appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Pace of Facilitating Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the ideal pace for teaching and facilitating teams. Too fast and students or team members cannot keep up. Too slow and the team loses interest. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how to set the right pace for teaching or facilitating teams. Topics include: Whether you are facilitating a team, sharing information one-on-one, presenting to a group, or teaching a class, there are principles for conveying knowledge. What are the key elements for being effective when conveying knowledge? The pace of teaching is important. Rather teach less content, and be effective in conveying knowledge. Too fast and students or team members cannot keep up. Too slow and the team loses interest. Your pace should assume you allow and encourage lots of interactivity with audience. The purpose is not to get through the slides or the material, it is to successfully convey knowledge. What percent of total teaching or presenting time is telling, versus what percent of time is questions, interactions, and exercises? Consider 40% tell, and 60% interaction, questions, discussion, exercises. How does learning occur? What is role of making mistakes in learning? The pace of teaching or presenting has to have time for discussion, and interaction. Practice new material so that the pace is right. Be flexible so you can take the time that is needed to ensure fundamentals are understood. 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 1007 Pace of Facilitating appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Reliability Ethics Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the broad subject of reliability ethics, what it means, and how it impacts reliability professionals. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the role of reliability engineers when facing ethical decisions and circumstances. Topics include: The role of company culture in defining acceptable behavior Social barriers to speaking up Valuing profits over quality and safety Reliability engineers are not on mission to get along, especially if it means compromising safety or reliability. What if you are shy or have trouble speaking up in front of management? You have to be willing to ask the questions that no one wants to hear. What do you do when company culture does not value speaking up about potential problem issues? What to do when the pressure to be a “team player” conflicts with raising safety and reliability issues? What communication skills can help with this subject? Talking in a meeting vs one on one conversations? What to do if company is moving ahead with what you believe to be an unsafe design or process? How to overcome introversion, when needed? You have to be sure you are on solid ground (do your homework) when you propose a different direction than the team. Discussion of the trade off when balancing team direction vs safety issues. Reference the last two chapters in the book The Process of Reliability Engineering. The most important thing is to not be silent when you are certain there is a safety issue. Part of being a team player is knowing when to speak up when it goes against the grain to the team. When is it appropriate to go to higher management. 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 1006 Reliability Ethics appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Tech Obsolescence Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss long-term reliability and the speed of technological obsolescence. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the rapid pace of technological obsolescence and the need to upgrade devices before they wear out Topics include: One of the most successful computer manufacturers controls both the software operating system (OS) and the hardware and will make a new upgrade that is incompatible with older hardware obsolete even though there is potentially many years of life in the older hardware. Many simple products, like Fred’s drill press, have lasted decades and have few technological advances that would cause him to replace it when it is still able to do the job. Some household appliances, such as today’s washers and dryers, have significant life despite the high vibration and temperature cycles and the considerable variation in the use environment, and yet the advantages of lower water and energy use in newer models may be a reason to upgrade machines. 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 Please click on this link to access a relatively new analysis of traditional reliability prediction methods article from the US ARMY and CALCE titled  “Reliability Prediction – Continued Reliance on a Misleading Approach”. It is in the public domain, so please distribute freely. Trying to predict reliability for development is a misleading a costly approach. You can now purchase the most recent recording of Kirk Gray’s Hobbs Engineering 8 (two 4 hour sessions) hour Webinar “Rapid and Robust Reliability Development 2022 HALT & HASS Methodologies Online Seminar” from this link. For more information on the newest discovery testing methodology here is a link to the book “Next Generation HALT and HASS: Robust design of Electronics and Systems” written by Kirk Gray and John Paschkewitz. The post SOR 1005 Tech Obsolescence appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Confirmation Bias with HALT Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the problem or benefits of having confirmation bias, where we accept or reject test results based on expectations. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how confirmation bias may result in misunderstanding of the goals of HALT evaluations. Topics include: We are performing HALT on a system that has already experienced failures in the field to show how HALT could have precipitated the same reliability failures but are dismissed because “we already knew that” and fail to see the value of testing time compression and earlier discovery of these failures before market release. Confirmation bias may be an obstacle in that it’s always easier and natural to blame an outsourced supplier or component vendor for sending bad parts instead of completing an in-depth root cause analysis. Experience in HALT evaluations may also provide a bias of knowing that many electronics functional circuits can operate without failure well beyond ratings and specifications and establish new benchmarks of the fundamental empirical strength limits of current electronics technology 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 Please click on this link to access a relatively new analysis of traditional reliability prediction methods article from the US ARMY and CALCE titled  “Reliability Prediction – Continued Reliance on a Misleading Approach”. It is in the public domain, so please distribute freely. Trying to predict reliability for development is a misleading a costly approach. You can now purchase the most recent recording of Kirk Gray’s Hobbs Engineering 8 (two 4 hour sessions) hour Webinar “Rapid and Robust Reliability Development 2022 HALT & HASS Methodologies Online Seminar” from this link. For more information on the newest discovery testing methodology here is a link to the book “Next Generation HALT and HASS: Robust design of Electronics and Systems” written by Kirk Gray and John Paschkewitz.   The post SOR 1004 Confirmation Bias with HALT appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Risk of Persistence Abstract Greg and Fred discuss the risks of persisting in a project or in life when you know there are risks.  In poker terms, “do you hold em’ or fold em’?  What do companies do when they’ve sunk a lot of costs and know the ROI of their project is vaporizing?  What do you do when you know you’re losing.  Fight on.  Or, walk away.  The risks of persistence is what we face all the time. Key Points Join Greg and Fred as they discuss  what it means to persist in the face of adversity and possible failure.  Topics include: What are the risks of persistence? What are the signals and markers of success? How do you know it’s your time to move on? 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 1003 Risks of Persistence appeared first on Accendo Reliability.