Transformations are useful techniques. Why and how would you use them? The selection process is important, as a well justified choice improves decision making and communication. [Read more…]
Transforms
on Tools & Techniques
A listing in reverse chronological order of articles by:
- Dennis Craggs — Big Data Analytics series
- Perry Parendo — Experimental Design for NPD series
- Dev Raheja — Innovative Thinking in Reliability and Durability series
- Oleg Ivanov — Inside and Beyond HALT series
- Carl Carlson — Inside FMEA series
- Steven Wachs — Integral Concepts series
- Shane Turcott — Learning from Failures series
- Larry George — Progress in Field Reliability? series
- Gabor Szabo — R for Engineering series
- Matthew Reid — Reliability Engineering Using Python series
- Kevin Stewart — Reliability Reflections series
- Anne Meixner — Testing 1 2 3 series
- Ray Harkins — The Manufacturing Academy series
Lessons Learned From Designing for Reliability
Reliability is a process. If the right process is followed, results can be great such as eliminating most of the warranty costs. The opposite is also true in the absence of the right process. There is a saying: “If we don’t know where we are going, that’s where we will go.” It is difficult enough to do the right things, but it is even more difficult to know
what the right things are!
Knowledge of the right things comes from practicing the use of lessons learned. One must utilize the accumulated knowledge for arriving at correct decisions. Theory is not enough. One must keep becoming better by practicing. Take the example of swimming. One cannot learn to swim from books alone; one must practice swimming. It is okay to fail as long as mistakes are the stepping stones to failure prevention. Thomas Edison was reminded that he failed 2000 times before the success of the light bulb. His answer, “I never failed. There were 2000 steps in this process.” We can use the following lessons learned. [Read more…]
Client testimonial – DOE and Problem Solving Training
Our training provides experience with practical application, including team building and economic considerations. This testimony captures those experiences. Would you benefit from this training approach? [Read more…]
Easier is Not Always Better
Early in engineering, it seemed the purpose was to create products that made life easier. But eventually, I started to wonder – does that make life better? This video discusses that contradiction. [Read more…]
Using the “Five Whys”
Getting to Root Cause with “Five Whys”
There is no more important task in an FMEA than correctly identifying the “Cause.” Finding the root cause is the heart and soul of FMEA procedure. When you have the right cause, it opens the door to solutions. When you have the wrong cause, nothing gets accomplished.
By continuing to ask “why,” the team will be able to discover the progression of cause-and-effect relationships behind a problem and the root cause that is below the surface.
Wisdom begins in wonder – Socrates
Are You Selfish
People claim a trend in selfish people. But what is selfish? In work and in basketball? The answer may catch you off guard! But it has proven to be true. [Read more…]
Program Management and New Product Development Excellence
What does it take to be competitive in New Product Development? We have created speed records in several industries. Our research has shown where the advantages lie, and how to do it. [Read more…]
What if and what else testing
How can I tell when I have a situation that could benefit from Design of Experiments? What if and what else are two phrases that indicate a need for additional information and knowledge. This video provides a simulated scenario to understand how that may happen. [Read more…]
MSA 5 – Gage Stability
Introduction
The gage measurements are expected to be stable, meaning the gage should provide consistent readings. Some random variation due to random error is expected. However, gage measurements change with time or because the gage is damaged. The gage stability can be checked by measuring a known reference.
In this article, it is shown how to use control charts to assess gage stability.
Services we Offer with Project Progression Case Study
We offer three main services – projects, program management and training. This video illustrates the typical progression of service use through a case study. Don’t be afraid to skip ahead in the process! [Read more…]
Evolutionary Operations
Evolutionary operations is an approach to design of experiments that is not commonly known. Where can it apply? May it be useful in your situation? [Read more…]
Use of Failure Mechanisms in FMEA
The Proper Application of Failure Mechanisms in FMEA
The rule is simple. For high-risk issues, the FMEA team needs to properly identify the cause(s) and associated failure mechanism(s). So, what exactly is a failure mechanism?
“Nature never breaks her own laws.” Leonardo da Vinci
Magic of Reliability
Most senior managements don’t know that Reliability can get them high profits very quickly. And therefore high return on investment. Hyundai’s Ten Year Warranty. Their market share was going downhill for over ten years, suddenly it started to go upwards instead. All because of high reliability!
The impact of reliability extends far beyond reliability itself. It establishes the cost of warrants, repair, maintenance, logistics and the indirect costs of unavailability, downtime, and the COST OF SAFETY RECALLS which runs to hundreds of million dollars., and throughout the life of the product. This paper presents an outside-the-box view of how to get the best results by aiming at twice the life in the product specification and by preventing the high-risk failure modes resulting in an extraordinary return on investment, as much as 10,000%. [Read more…]
Why Should I Block My Test
People are drawn to use of the blocking feature in Design of Experiments quite often. My experience shows that it is overused. This video explains my rationale. [Read more…]
The Gun Did Not Read the Test Plan
A fun look about test planning. It has shaped how I look at the topic and how I perform my work. I hope you enjoy it! [Read more…]
