Fundamentals of Failure Analysis
podcast episode with speaker Fred Schenkelberg
Failure analysis is not just about finding the root cause of a failure; it’s also about preventing future failures. Yet, the process starts much like a crime scene. Understanding some basic steps and approaches helps you fully grasp the failure and its impact or implications.
Sometimes, just identifying a failure is the difficult part. Sometimes, it’s the collection of clues or evidence. Sometimes, it’s the skills and tools needed to fully understand the root cause. The intent of any failure analysis is to understand the problem well enough to craft and implement short and long-term solutions.
Let’s explore the basics of failure analysis, the basic steps, and some ways to identify and avoid ways a failure analysis may fail. If you like, grab your Sherlock Holmes cap and magnifying glass and prepare to improve your ability to learn from every failure.
This Accendo Reliability webinar was originally broadcast on 11 November 2025.
To view the recorded video, visit the webinar page.
Related content:
Data Collection Techniques for Failure Analysis episode
Using Failure Analysis to Improve Equipment Reliability episode
Failure Analysis Case Studies episode
Failure Analysis of Component Failures and Manufacturing Problems article
Policy – Minimum Acceptable Failure Analysis episode
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