

Accendo Reliability Webinar Series
Fred Schenkelberg
Reliability Engineering Basics, Statistics, Accelerated Testing, Program Assessment and Improvement.
Listen in on in depth discussions held during the live monthly Accendo Reliability webinar series. We explore topics ranging from reliability engineering basics, statistics, accelerated life testing, program assessment and improvement. Catch up or review past events below.
Listen in on in depth discussions held during the live monthly Accendo Reliability webinar series. We explore topics ranging from reliability engineering basics, statistics, accelerated life testing, program assessment and improvement. Catch up or review past events below.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 24, 2024 • 0sec
What's the Difference Between FMEA and FMECA?
What’s the Difference Between FMEA and FMECA?
podcast episode with speaker Chris Jackson
And the answer is not the letter C.' A FMEA is a group activity that follows a logical (and time-proven) structure to effectively brainstorm' what are called corrective actions' for existing or likely problems in design and manufacture of products. Production teams that comprise designers, engineers, technicians and manufacturers typically have a wealth of existing knowledge and understanding of the product being developed. But some people will tell you that an FMECA is not an FMEA. And many government agencies, in particular, demand FMECAs over FMEAs. Interested to understand the difference (if any) between FMEAs and FMECAs? and How can you make an FMECA work for you? Join us at this webinar!
This Accendo Reliability webinar was originally broadcast on 24 September 2024.
Download RSS
To view the recorded video/audio and PDF workbook of the event, visit the webinar page.
Additional content that may be of interest
FMEA and HAZOP episode
Conveying FMEA Results episode
Differing FMEA Approaches episode
Exposing The Hidden Flaws of FMEA and Risk Matrices: Advancing Your Risk Assessment episode
Value of Design FMEA episode
Fundamentals of FMEA
Just the fundamentals of FMEA in this fast paced event. FMEA has value, the 10 steps, and a few examples of how it can go all wrong.
See More
10 Reasons to do FMEAs
Exploring ten reasons to do FMEAs, yet actually, reasons to do amazing FMEAs that provide value in a range of ways.
See More
Supportability (and FMEAs/FMECAs)
What is supportability?' Easy! It's the ability of your product, system or service to be supported. But how do we get this so wrong so often?
See More
What is the difference between Design and Process FMEAs?
Get an overview of which FMEAs do what and when you would use one instead of the other? Including Design, Process, and others.
See More
Using FMEA Block Diagrams
This is where taking a breath and understanding our product before we build the wrong thing fast can really helpful.
See More
What’s the Difference Between FMEA and FMECA?
Understand the difference (if any) between FMEAs and FMECAs? and How can you make an FMECA work for you?
See More
The post What’s the Difference Between FMEA and FMECA? appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Sep 10, 2024 • 0sec
Fundamentals of Reliability Goals
In this engaging discussion, Fred Schenkelberg, a seasoned speaker in reliability engineering, delves into the essentials of setting reliability goals. He emphasizes the simplicity of creating these goals through quick team discussions. Fred explores the vital components that shape a reliable goal and shares best practices for establishing them. He highlights the significance of measurable metrics and how they can enhance product development, ensuring alignment with customer expectations while adding real value to organizations.

Aug 27, 2024 • 0sec
Using Fault Trees to Conduct Root Cause Analysis
Using Fault Trees to Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
podcast episode with speaker Chris Jackson
What is a root cause' of failure? It is something that you did (or didn't) do that ultimately resulted in failure. It's not corrosion (that's a physical process that follows the laws of nature that you can't change). It's not a porous seal that allows moisture to enter your product to cause corrosion (that's a defect or fault that you or your team made happen). Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is the process where we systematically work out what things we did or didn't do that allowed failure to occur, and Fault Trees are often very helpful in finding this root causes. If you want to learn more about RCA or how fault trees can help RCA, join us for this webinar.
This Accendo Reliability webinar was originally broadcast on 27 August 2024.
Download RSS
To view the recorded video/audio and PDF workbook of the event, visit the webinar page.
Additional content that may be of interest
Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) course
What is a Fault Tree'? episode
3 Perspectives for Fault Tree Analysis episode
Intro to Fault Tree Analysis article
FTA vs RBD episode
Fundamentals of FRACAS
This webinar introduces you to the basic elements of FRACAS. Plus, we examine a few failed programs so that you can avoid problems.
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Fundamentals of Root Cause Analysis
Let's discuss when you have sufficient understanding of a failure mechanism to implement a solution and a few common obstacles to avoid.
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Essential Reliability Engineering Concepts
Let's discuss the concept of failures along with a few other concepts universal to reliability engineering.
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Preventing Moisture and Corrosion Damage
The goal is to educate the audience on options to prevent electronic equipment failure used in enclosed spaces from corrosion.
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What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is interesting in that it allows something to fail without it ever being exposed to stresses that are beyond its strength.
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So What is the Root Cause?
This webinar takes you through a framework to explore the understand the root cause of a failure, something we can do something about.
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Focus on Failure Mechanisms
Let's explore the many ways something can fail and how understanding failure mechanisms makes a difference.
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Using Fault Trees to Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Discover the power of root cause analysis with fault trees. Uncover the hidden causes of failure and improve your reliability process.
See More
Fundamentals of Early Field Results
Let's explore the concept of a delta phase and how to implement it in your organization. Plus, how to implement it in various product types.
See More
The post Using Fault Trees to Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Aug 13, 2024 • 0sec
Fundamentals of a Professional Development Plan
Fred Schenkelberg, a renowned speaker at Accendo Reliability, sheds light on professional development for reliability engineers. He underscores that learning isn't solely about credentials but about practical application. The discussion delves into setting objectives, the importance of feedback, and deliberate practice for skill enhancement. Schenkelberg shares insights on identifying knowledge gaps and using resources effectively, all while emphasizing the need for continuous, meaningful learning throughout one’s career.

Jul 23, 2024 • 0sec
3 Parameter Weibull Analysis
What is the ‘3 Parameter’ Weibull Analysis
podcast episode with speaker Chris Jackson
Some of you might have heard of the Weibull distribution. It is an uncannily accurate way of describing many of the ways components fail. It can model things that wear-in where failure is caused by pre-existing damage and defects in a fraction of products. The Weibull distribution can also model things that wear-out we failure is caused once enough damage has accumulated. And some of you might have heard of the 3 Parameter Weibull distribution.' But what makes this different and (sometimes) helpful? We are always wanting to improve the way we model things, including failure processes. So, to see if the 3 Parameter Weibull Distribution' can help you join this webinar!
This Accendo Reliability webinar was originally broadcast on 23 July 2024.
Download RSS
To view the recorded video/audio and PDF workbook of the event, visit the webinar page.
Additional content that may be of interest
Weibull Distribution Part-1 video
Weibull Distribution Part2: Three-Parameter Weibull, B10 life, Characteristic Life video
SOR 958 Learning Weibull Analysis episode
What is the Weibull Distribution? episode
RiM 08: What is Weibull Distribution? episode
Making Use of Reliability Statistics
Let's find the motivation to use reliability statistics and find the resources to learn the statistical tools necessary to succeed.
See More
R Software and Reliability
Let's explore R software's many capabilities concerning reliability statistics from field data analysis, to statistical process control.
See More
Reliability Distributions and Their Use
Let's explore an array of distributions and the problems they can help solve in our day-to-day relaibility engineering work.
See More
Practical Application of DOE
Perry discusses the basics of DOE (design of experiments) and fundamentals so you can get started with they useful product development tool.
See More
Fundamentals of Sample Size Determination
Let's discuss the 6 basic considerations to estimate the necessary sample size to support decision making.
See More
Fundamentals of Measurement System Analysis
When we make a measurement, we inform a decision. It's important to have data that is true to the actual value.
See More
Creating Effective Reliability Graphics
One of the first things I learned about data analysis was to create a plot, another, and another. Let the data show you what needs attention.
See More
PDFs, CDFs, and other ‘Fs’ What the hell are they?
If you want a really easy introduction or review of these functions that help inform a decision then check out this webinar.
See More
Discrete Distributions
Sometimes we have to work out how many of them we need (if they make up a fleet) or how many spare parts we need to keep them running.
See More
Why We Use Statistics
Let's explore the ways we use, or should use, statistics as engineers. From gathering data to presenting, from analyzing to comparing.
See More
How to Check a Regression Fit
Let's explore what residuals are, where they come from, and how to evaluate them to detect if the fitted line (model) is adequate or not.
See More
Basic Mathematical Symbols and Stuff
This webinar is a light (re)introduction into common mathematical symbols used in many engineering scenarios including reliability.
See More
Confidence in Reliability
Reliability is a measure of your product or system. Confidence is a measure of you. But we often forget this.
See More
Practical Measurement Systems Analysis for Design
How to calculate Gage discrimination - the more useful result for a design situation, and even how to use it for destructive tests.
See More
What is the Weibull Distribution?
For those who conduct reliability data analysis or turning a jumble of dots (data points) into meaningful information
See More
Where does the Bell Curve come from?
It is not just a pretty shape' that seems to work, It comes from a really cool physical phenomena that we find everywhere.
See More
Fundamentals of Hypothesis Testing
Let's examine a handful of parametric and non-parametric comparison tools, including various hypothesis tests.
See More
Understanding (how bad) the Exponential Distribution (is)
You need to have a good idea of the probability distribution of the TTF of your product when it comes to reliability engineering.
See More
What is the ‘3 Parameter’ Weibull Analysis
See More
What is the Lognormal Distribution
See More
Confidence is a Measure of You
See More
The post 3 Parameter Weibull Analysis appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Jul 9, 2024 • 0sec
Fundamentals of Pareto Analysis
Fundamentals of Pareto Analysis
podcast episode with speaker Fred Schenkelberg
Pareto Analysis is a simple yet powerful tool that provides a visual way to help focus on the most critical tasks. The idea that 80% of your field failures come from 20% of the failure mechanisms is one way we can focus on the vital few instead of the insignificant many.
Let's explore the basics of conducting Pareto Analysis, plus a few different ways to create and modify the plots. Of course, we'll talk about some potential problems and pitfalls to avoid.
Bring your questions and success/failure stories using this tool. There should be plenty of time for a discussion.
This Accendo Reliability webinar was originally broadcast on 9 July 2024.
Download RSS
To view the recorded video, visit the webinar page.
Related content:
QDD 095 After the Storm: Pareto Voting and Screening Methods episode
SOR 680 Pareto was Right episode
QDD 015 Using the Pareto Principle and Avoiding Common Pitfalls episode
Building and Using Pareto Charts article
SOR 378 Why Pareto Analysis is Not Sufficient episode
7+ Basic Quality Tools
Having both awareness and mastery of these tools will enable you to quickly use basic tools to get a handle on the situation.
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Reliability and Quality
Let's talk about how quality and reliability overlap and rely on each other's set of capabilities, plus where we differ.
See More
Fundamentals of Pareto Analysis
Let's explore the basics of conducting Pareto Analysis, plus a few different ways to create and modify the plots.
See More
The post Fundamentals of Pareto Analysis appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Jun 25, 2024 • 0sec
Understanding (how bad) the Exponential Distribution (is)
Understanding (how bad) the Exponential Distribution (is)
podcast episode with speaker Chris Jackson
We often use probability distributions to help us characterize the likely values a random variable will have. This includes the random variable we call time to failure' or TTF, which is how long something works before it fails. Failure is a random process, but just because it is random, doesn't mean it's unpredictable. Products that wear-in will have vastly different probability distributions for TTF when compare do products that wear-out. So you need to have a good idea of the probability distribution of the TTF of your product when it comes to reliability engineering. But we often see in textbooks and standards the exponential distribution' simply being assumed as a good' TTF probability distribution. But is it? And what happens when it isn't but you use it anyway? Join this webinar to find out!
This Accendo Reliability webinar was originally broadcast on 25 June 2024.
Download RSS
To view the recorded video/audio and PDF workbook of the event, visit the webinar page.
Additional content that may be of interest
The 1 Parameter Exponential Distribution 7 Formulas article
The Exponential Distribution article
SOR 969 Common Reliability Mistakes episode
SOR 949 Forecasting Returns episode
SOR 880 Bathtub Curve Flaws episode
Making Use of Reliability Statistics
Let's find the motivation to use reliability statistics and find the resources to learn the statistical tools necessary to succeed.
See More
R Software and Reliability
Let's explore R software's many capabilities concerning reliability statistics from field data analysis, to statistical process control.
See More
Reliability Distributions and Their Use
Let's explore an array of distributions and the problems they can help solve in our day-to-day relaibility engineering work.
See More
Practical Application of DOE
Perry discusses the basics of DOE (design of experiments) and fundamentals so you can get started with they useful product development tool.
See More
Fundamentals of Sample Size Determination
Let's discuss the 6 basic considerations to estimate the necessary sample size to support decision making.
See More
Fundamentals of Measurement System Analysis
When we make a measurement, we inform a decision. It's important to have data that is true to the actual value.
See More
Creating Effective Reliability Graphics
One of the first things I learned about data analysis was to create a plot, another, and another. Let the data show you what needs attention.
See More
PDFs, CDFs, and other ‘Fs’ What the hell are they?
If you want a really easy introduction or review of these functions that help inform a decision then check out this webinar.
See More
Discrete Distributions
Sometimes we have to work out how many of them we need (if they make up a fleet) or how many spare parts we need to keep them running.
See More
Why We Use Statistics
Let's explore the ways we use, or should use, statistics as engineers. From gathering data to presenting, from analyzing to comparing.
See More
How to Check a Regression Fit
Let's explore what residuals are, where they come from, and how to evaluate them to detect if the fitted line (model) is adequate or not.
See More
Basic Mathematical Symbols and Stuff
This webinar is a light (re)introduction into common mathematical symbols used in many engineering scenarios including reliability.
See More
Confidence in Reliability
Reliability is a measure of your product or system. Confidence is a measure of you. But we often forget this.
See More
Practical Measurement Systems Analysis for Design
How to calculate Gage discrimination - the more useful result for a design situation, and even how to use it for destructive tests.
See More
What is the Weibull Distribution?
For those who conduct reliability data analysis or turning a jumble of dots (data points) into meaningful information
See More
Where does the Bell Curve come from?
It is not just a pretty shape' that seems to work, It comes from a really cool physical phenomena that we find everywhere.
See More
Fundamentals of Hypothesis Testing
Let's examine a handful of parametric and non-parametric comparison tools, including various hypothesis tests.
See More
Understanding (how bad) the Exponential Distribution (is)
You need to have a good idea of the probability distribution of the TTF of your product when it comes to reliability engineering.
See More
What is the ‘3 Parameter’ Weibull Analysis
See More
What is the Lognormal Distribution
See More
Confidence is a Measure of You
See More
The post Understanding (how bad) the Exponential Distribution (is) appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

Jun 11, 2024 • 0sec
Fundamentals of Hypothesis Testing
Fundamentals of Hypothesis Testing
podcast episode with speaker Fred Schenkelberg
Let's make a comparison. Let's check our product's key characteristics against specifications, compare vendor life data, or compare the newest design changes to prior performance. We can and should do comparisons well using the appropriate statistical approach.
Let's examine a handful of parametric and non-parametric comparison tools, including various hypothesis tests. Plus how to best use these tools and when to set them aside and explore another approach.
Statistics is a part of what a reliability professional does; thus, we all should know the range, power, and applicability of the methods available. Let's explore how to make comparisons well.
This Accendo Reliability webinar was originally broadcast on 11 June 2024.
Download RSS
To view the recorded video, visit the webinar page.
Related content:
Sample Size for Hypothesis Testing of μ article
Single Sample Z-test Hypothesis Testing for Mean with Known Variance article
Hypothesis Testing article
Hypothesis Test Selection article
Hypothesis Test Selection Flowchart article
SPC Sample Size Impact on SPC
In this webinar, we explore the impact that chart selection and sample size have on chart sensitivity (the ability to detect changes).
See More
Reliability and Statistical Process Control
Let's explore some cases where effectively using statistical process control will enhance your product's reliability performance.
See More
Understanding and Controlling Process Variation
Let's discuss process variation and how to measure, monitor, and control processes to minimize the differences from one part to the next.
See More
10 Keys for Maximizing the Benefits of Your SPC Program
Progressive manufacturers use control charts to listen to their processes to detect and rectify potentially harmful changes.
See More
How do I link Process Capability Indices to Number (PPM) Defects?
if you need to learn a bit more about manufacturing and how we measure quality in general? Join us for this webinar.
See More
What is Statistical Process Control or SPC?
You may have heard of Statistical Process Control, 6-sigma, Shewhart, the Japanese Economic Miracle, X̅ R Charts or perhaps none of them.
See More
What is Process Capability Analysis (PCA)?
A process is considered capable' if it creates products that, with production natural variation, are still within what good' looks like.
See More
Fundamentals of Control Charts
Statistical control charting (SPC) is a method for monitoring and determining whether a process is in control or stable.
See More
Fundamentals of Process Capability
Let's explore the steps necessary to obtain valid and valuable process capability ratios. Then, let's examine how to use this information.
See More
The post Fundamentals of Hypothesis Testing appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

May 28, 2024 • 0sec
Using FMEA Block Diagrams to Understand Your Item
Using FMEA (or Functional) Block Diagrams to Understand Your Item
podcast episode with speaker Chris Jackson
Many engineers rush to design or build something that we think is awesome' or at least proves a concept.' But this often means we build something that we like (not necessarily what our users like) or doesn't work (because we didn't realize that have sensitive electronic components near hot exhaust manifolds would be a problem). This is where taking a breath and understanding our product before we build the wrong thing fast can really helpful. A FMEA or functional block diagram can really help us visualize what different parts of our system do, and how they interact. They also help us identify the basic, interface and additional functions that separate an average' product from an industry leading' product. If this is something you think you or your team can benefit from, join us for this webinar.
This Accendo Reliability webinar was originally broadcast on 28 May 2024.
Download RSS
To view the recorded video/audio and PDF workbook of the event, visit the webinar page.
Additional content that may be of interest
SOR 960 Differing FMEA Approaches episode
Use FMEA to Choose Critical Design Features episode
Relationship between FMEA and Risk Management article
Hazard Analysis and FMEA article
What are Functions with Nancy Regan episode
Fundamentals of FMEA
Just the fundamentals of FMEA in this fast paced event. FMEA has value, the 10 steps, and a few examples of how it can go all wrong.
See More
10 Reasons to do FMEAs
Exploring ten reasons to do FMEAs, yet actually, reasons to do amazing FMEAs that provide value in a range of ways.
See More
Supportability (and FMEAs/FMECAs)
What is supportability?' Easy! It's the ability of your product, system or service to be supported. But how do we get this so wrong so often?
See More
What is the difference between Design and Process FMEAs?
Get an overview of which FMEAs do what and when you would use one instead of the other? Including Design, Process, and others.
See More
Using FMEA Block Diagrams
This is where taking a breath and understanding our product before we build the wrong thing fast can really helpful.
See More
What’s the Difference Between FMEA and FMECA?
Understand the difference (if any) between FMEAs and FMECAs? and How can you make an FMECA work for you?
See More
The post Using FMEA (or Functional) Block Diagrams to Understand Your Item appeared first on Accendo Reliability.

May 14, 2024 • 0sec
Fundamentals of Process Capability
Fundamentals of Process Capability
podcast episode with speaker Fred Schenkelberg
Calculating and interpreting the process capability ratios is the easy part. Getting valid results takes more work and thinking. Knowing that the process is capable is only one use of this information. We should also use the information contained in these ratios to inform product design tolerance.
Let's explore the steps necessary to obtain valid and valuable process capability ratios. Then, let's examine a few ways to use this information to effectively improve our processes and designs.
This Accendo Reliability webinar was originally broadcast on 14 May 2024.
Download RSS
To view the recorded video, visit the webinar page.
Related content:
Design Specs vs. Process Control, Capability, and SPC episode
How do I link Process Capability Indices to Number (PPM) Defects? episode/webinar
What is the Relationship between Process Stability and Process Capability? article
Process Capability Analysis course course
Process Capability article
SPC Sample Size Impact on SPC
In this webinar, we explore the impact that chart selection and sample size have on chart sensitivity (the ability to detect changes).
See More
Reliability and Statistical Process Control
Let's explore some cases where effectively using statistical process control will enhance your product's reliability performance.
See More
Understanding and Controlling Process Variation
Let's discuss process variation and how to measure, monitor, and control processes to minimize the differences from one part to the next.
See More
10 Keys for Maximizing the Benefits of Your SPC Program
Progressive manufacturers use control charts to listen to their processes to detect and rectify potentially harmful changes.
See More
How do I link Process Capability Indices to Number (PPM) Defects?
if you need to learn a bit more about manufacturing and how we measure quality in general? Join us for this webinar.
See More
What is Statistical Process Control or SPC?
You may have heard of Statistical Process Control, 6-sigma, Shewhart, the Japanese Economic Miracle, X̅ R Charts or perhaps none of them.
See More
What is Process Capability Analysis (PCA)?
A process is considered capable' if it creates products that, with production natural variation, are still within what good' looks like.
See More
Fundamentals of Control Charts
Statistical control charting (SPC) is a method for monitoring and determining whether a process is in control or stable.
See More
Fundamentals of Process Capability
Let's explore the steps necessary to obtain valid and valuable process capability ratios. Then, let's examine how to use this information.
See More
The post Fundamentals of Process Capability appeared first on Accendo Reliability.