My first system project was a new TV design by HP. My first actions were to interview all project engineers and discuss their function in the program. I wanted to know what they were thinking and the approach they would use. From this interview process, I could start defining the Functional Architecture (Ref. REI book p 22-25) and start forming the reliability strategy. [Read more…]
Archives for March 2020
Bias Toward Outside Inputs
Resolving a company challenge can get complicated. Could an outside resource accelerate the process? Or is it a distraction? Are there behavioral reasons we need to consider to provide a balance perspective to make the decision? This is discussed in this video. [Read more…]
Mind your language, Reliability Professionals
The limits of my language means the limits of my world. Ludwig Wittgenstein (Austrian-British Philosopher)
As an Engineer & a Reliability Professional I believe the biggest hurdle to success of my fraternity’s ideas, initiatives, programs, suggestions; is our collective inability to properly communicate their benefits to our different audiences. Instead of pointing any blame to the other side, we need to do a little self-assessment of ourselves to see what may be our own failings. [Read more…]
Authors’ Note — RCM Re-engineered
RCM-R® goes beyond what RCM alone can do. The basic successful method as defined in SAE JA-1011 remains intact. RCM-R® enhances that method, linking it to international standards for risk management and adding a degree of technical rigor rarely seen outside of the military, nuclear and aircraft industries. It adds a great deal of emphasis on what it takes to implement the method successfully – not only as a project (as has so often been done with other RCM methods), but as a sustainable program, and on leveraging the analysis results to maximize value generation and align closely with the intentions and precepts of the new international standard for Asset Management, ISO 55001. [Read more…]
Risk of Ransomware Attacks on Local Government
Guest Post by James Kline (first posted on CERM ® RISK INSIGHTS – reposted here with permission)
In several previous Risk Insights, I discussed the need to view state and local government computer network as part of the national infrastructure. This was needed because of the importance of the networks in providing and supporting basic services. Further, by viewing these networks as part of the national infrastructure they become an important part of the overall federal effort to protect and defend the nation’s computer infrastructure. This issue is so important that another paper is appropriate. This piece extends the prior two pieces. [Read more…]
Why You Might Need a Break
I took last week off of work, not because I went on vacation, but because I needed time to take care of myself. I did fun activities, I had a few sessions with my coach, I slept as best as I could, I meditated, I did yoga and I took care of myself as best as I could. [Read more…]
Why Do We Not Want Help?
In many dealings throughout my career, including myself, it seems commonplace that people do not want to admit they need help. From physically, mentally, in life, or in business, our egos seem to always keep us from reaching our full potential. [Read more…]
Using Process FMEAs to Improve Process Control Plans
“Science is the process that takes us from confusion to understanding…” – B
Properly done, Process FMEAs should improve manufacturing and assembly processes and corresponding process controls. This article describes how PFMEAs can be used to improve process controls, which are embodied in the Process Control Plan (PCP).