Carl S. Carlson — Thought Leader

Author of Inside FMEA articles, FMEA Resources page, and multiple books, and a co-host on Speaking of Reliability.

This author's archive lists contributions of articles and episodes.

The Future of Reliability Engineering

“Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” – William Jennings Bryan

The Oxford English dictionary defines “reliability” as “the quality of being able to be trusted to do what somebody wants or needs.”

The textbook definition for “reliability” is “the probability that an item will perform its intended function for a designated period of time without failure under specified operating and environmental conditions.” [Read more…]

by Carl S. Carlson 5 Comments

SOR 724 Key Characteristics Revisited

Key Characteristics Revisited

Abstract

Carl and Fred having a new conversation about the age-old topic of key characteristics, and how they are used to improve products and processes.
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SOR 723 Question Everything

Question Everything

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the value of questioning in the process of learning and personal growth. Students and instructors should question each other as part of learning, engineering teams should question each other as part of achieving consensus.
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SOR 720 Reliability and Bathtub Curve

Reliability and Bathtub Curve

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the origin and meaning of the reliability “bathtub” curve, and why it is not useful as a visual analogy.
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Facilitation Skill # 5 – Active Listening

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” – Stephen Covey

A good listener tries to understand thoroughly what the other person is saying. In the end the listener may disagree sharply. However, before voicing disagreement, the active listener wants to know exactly what the other person is saying and why. [Read more…]

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Facilitation Skill # 5 – Active Listening

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” – Stephen Covey

by Carl S. Carlson 3 Comments

SOR 717 Planning a Reliability Program

Planning a Reliability Program

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the planning that goes into any reliability program.
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SOR 714 Achieving or Calculating Reliability

Achieving or Calculating Reliability

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss which reliability methods add more value to a project or program: those methods that are centered around calculating reliability or those methods that predominently support achieving reliability.

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SOR 713 Thoughts on ISO Standards

Thoughts on ISO Standards

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss ISO standards and how they impact quality and reliablity of products. The discussion begins with the ISO 9000 series and proceeds to a discussion of standards in general.
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Facilitation Skill # 4 – Asking Thought-starter Questions

“A thought, even a possibility, can shatter and transform us.” – Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

One of my favorite FMEA facilitation techniques, and one that can significantly enhance meaningful participation from FMEA team members, is called “Asking Thought-starter Questions.”

[Read more…]

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SOR 708 How Well to Know Failure Mechanisms

How Well to Know Failure Mechanisms

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the underlying mechanisms of failure, and how they impact our analysis and understanding of reliability.
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SOR 707 Is There a Better Way than RPN?

Is There a Better Way than RPN?

Abstract

Carl and Fred take on the subject of Risk Priority Number, also called RPN, when used in FMEA. Is RPN a good way to prioritize risk in an FMEA, or is there a better way?
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Facilitation Skill #3: Asking Probing Questions

FMEA facilitators can generate deep discussion and stimulate creative ideas by asking probing questions.

“A good question is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place but a seed to be planted and to bear more seed toward the hope of greening the landscape of idea.” – John Ciardi

The Oxford English dictionary defines “probe” as “seek to uncover information about something.” [Read more…]

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SOR 697 Reliability and Poor Project Management

Implementing Reliability Programs

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing the challenges associated with implementing reliability programs.
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SOR 696 Interpreting Test Results

Interpreting Test Results

Abstract

Carl and Fred discussing a listener question about reliability demonstration testing; specifically how to deal with unrelated failures when using “success testing.”

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