Trick Questions
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss questions that can reveal some job candidates’ knowledge or lack of understanding of new product reliability development ᐅ Play Episode
SOR 1144 Trick Questions
CR153: Train, Clean, Optimize Using A CMMS Implementation Formula by Andy Gager
Train, Clean, Optimize Using A CMMS Implementation Formula by Andy Gager
On this episode of CMMSradio, Andy Gager of AMG International lays out the no-nonsense path to CMMS success. From selecting the right system to avoiding common pitfalls, Andy shares what works—and what derails even the best intentions.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Choose smart: Research and narrow down 3–4 systems that match your business needs.
- Watch the fine print: Make sure vendor promises align with real requirements—get it in writing.
- Clean it up: Don’t migrate junk. Data cleansing is non-negotiable.
- Train with purpose: Multi-stage, hands-on training works better than rushed rollouts.
- Fix the foundations: Optimize PMs, validate asset hierarchies, and eliminate bad processes.
- Let AI help (but clean first): Good data makes AI smarter—not the other way around.
10 Reasons to do FMEAS with AI
10 Reasons to do FMEAS with AI
podcast episode with speaker Chris Jackson
Amazing products are 90 % identical to mediocre products. It is that last 10 % where failures, forgotten features, overlooked interfaces, and all manner of other things reside. FMEAs and FMECAs are tremendously powerful tools (when done right) at finding the ‘vital few’ things you can address in your first and early design iterations that make everything else that follows a breeze. FMEAs and FMECAs are also awful (when done wrong), as they waste everyone’s time, create no meaningful design guidance, and are just forced upon the tragic few. Then there is AI … which promises to do it all for us! This is not the case. Beyond what standard ‘ISO/IEC 23894:2023 – AI and Risk Management’ says you can and can’t do, AI can only help you get on top of that 90 %. That 90 % is absolutely essential – but at best, AI can quickly get you to mediocre. It is the human brain that takes care of the rest. This webinar gives you 10 reasons why you should do FMEAs and FMECAs properly – and use AI to accelerate getting on top of that 90 % so you can focus on that amazing new product.
[Read more…]
RM 185: How Accuracy & Force Compliance Contribute to Better Quality & Reliability with Michael Sivigny
How Accuracy & Force Compliance Contribute to Better Quality & Reliability with Michael Sivigny
In electronics manufacturing, defects don’t usually announce themselves. They happen in milliseconds, far faster than human perception, and often long before anyone realizes a process has drifted out of control. By the time failures show up in test, inspection, or worse, in the field, the root cause may be buried deep inside machine behavior that no one thought to question.
When machines are assumed to be accurate instead of proven to be accurate, and when force is set but not verified, hidden variation creeps in. That variation can translate directly into cracked components, misalignment, latent damage, and long-term reliability risk.
My guest today is Michael Sivigny, SMT Productivity & Profit Strategist and owner and General Manager CeTaQ Americas, a company that has spent decades doing what most factories don’t, objectively measuring machine performance under real production conditions.
Michael’s work has repeatedly shown that even well-maintained, recently serviced equipment can operate outside of specification, quietly generating defects at high speed.
In this conversation, we’ll dig into how accuracy validation and force measurement expose problems traditional troubleshooting misses, why OEM calibration alone is no longer enough for today’s miniaturized electronics, and how statistically sound measurement practices improve not only yield and uptime, but long-term product reliability.
If you believe reliability starts long before functional test, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
CeTaQ Americas
msivigny@cetaq-americas.com
RH013: Manuel Cifuentes / Giving Maintenance a Voice
Manuel Cifuentes / Giving Maintenance a Voice
In this insightful episode, Andrew Daddo interviews Manuel Cifuentes, Head of Maintenance Strategy Governance at BHP. Manuel reflects on his 18-year journey with the company, discussing the evolution of maintenance from a “nerdy” technical focus to a critical business strategy. He explains the challenge of translating complex technical data into language that resonates with business leaders. By simplifying terms like MTBF and highlighting the financial impact of equipment failures, Cifuentes helped shift organizational culture. He emphasizes that success required not just technical improvements but also fostering better communication and soft skills across the company.
CR152: The Maintenance Journey so far with Dan Anderson of ReliabilityX from Streamline 2025 on CMMSradio
The Maintenance Journey so far with Dan Anderson of ReliabilityX from Streamline 2025 on CMMSradio
Dan Anderson, of ReliabilityX, joins CMMSradio from the 2025 Streamline Asset Management User Conference in Greenville, SC. We learn about part of his journey – including the Datastream days – and his views on the overall asset management space from a maintenance and reliability perspective.
Dan has been around the game – Tune in and hear what he has to say. He’s a real pro and knows how to add value! Thank you, Dan, for being on CMMSradio!!
SOR 1143 Getting Hired
Getting Hired
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss the process of finding a job in Reliability Engineering ᐅ Play Episode
CR151: Paul Crocker ReliabilityX Talking Photography and Maintenance on CMMSradio
Paul Crocker ReliabilityX Talking Photography and Maintenance on CMMSradio
Paul Crocker, CMRP is with ReliabilityX! We jumped on to record about his interest in photography and how that fits well into the maintenance and reliability space. It’s fascinating to see how these worlds converge, or maybe collide, only to find out how much value comes from combining an interest like this in a valuable, impactful way, to the industry we all love!!
SOR 1142 Starting a New Reliability Team
Starting a New Reliability Team
Abstract
Chris and Fred discuss a few ideas on creating a reliability team in your organization.
ᐅ Play Episode
CR150: ISO 55000 for Better Asset Management Decision Making and Operations with Marc Laplante
ISO 55000 for Better Asset Management Decision Making and Operations with Marc Laplante
In this CMMSradio episode, Marc Laplant of Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence discusses the importance of ISO 55000 in asset management. The framework ensures alignment between management and operations, focusing on processes, policies, and leadership. He highlights starting small and improving iteratively, and shares insights on condition monitoring’s role in decision-making. The episode concludes with his thoughts on work-life balance and continuous personal growth.
Key Topics:
- The role of ISO 55000 in asset management and organizational alignment.
- The importance of processes and leadership over technology in asset management.
- Condition monitoring’s impact on decision-making and operational visibility.
- Best practices for implementing asset management systems effectively.
QDD 187: Cut Through the Design Fog
Cut Through the Design Fog
Every product team faces the “design fog” during early concept development. This lack of clarity and alignment often means teams are discussing technical architecture and feature lists before they’ve even agreed on the fundamental customer benefits and problems they need to solve. This unstructured approach frequently leads to wasted effort, cost overruns, and products that miss the mark.
The solution isn’t more bureaucracy; it’s a shared, intentional structure. In this episode, we introduce two powerful frameworks designed to bring clarity to this critical phase: the Concept Space Model and the ADEPT Team Framework. These models are grounded in decades of quality and reliability research, providing a map for navigating the difficult terrain of concept development.
By adopting these frameworks, you ensure that every team member is aligned on the targeted benefits, the user journey, and the potential problems to avoid, transforming chaotic brainstorming into productive, focused co-creation sessions that yield clear design inputs for engineering. Let’s dive into how to use the ADEPT Team Framework to ensure your next project is built on a foundation of shared understanding.
RG002: Big Announcement – Types of Maintenance – Why CBM is Important
Big Announcement – Types of Maintenance – Why CBM is Important
Good Morning my #reliabilitygang! Welcome back to episode 2 of Maintain reliable talk. Today we have some BIG announcements. I take you through some exciting new ventures and building a reliability community. I also talk in the second half about types of maintenance and why each one may be used depending on the plant or process. I hope enjoy it and I hope you all have a productive week.
CR149: Teaching, Not Telling, with Danny Koontz on Leadership and Facilities Management on CMMSradio
Teaching, Not Telling, with Danny Koontz on Leadership and Facilities Management on CMMSradio
In this podcast episode, CMMSradio interviews Danny Koontz, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from RFMA. Danny reflects on his 22-year journey with the organization, from attending a Darden meeting to becoming the last remaining original member of RFMA. He discusses his leadership evolution from a “teller” to a “teacher,” his management style, and his focus on transparency and authenticity. Danny shares insights on deploying Service Channel at Ruby Tuesday and managing CMMS platforms at Windy City Equipment. He highlights the importance of empowering team members and the need for clear communication to ensure successful outcomes in facilities management.
Key Points:
- Danny’s 22-year journey with RFMA and the surprise Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Transitioning from a “teller” to a “teacher” manager and empowering team members.
- Importance of communication and transparency in managing CMMS platforms and facilities.
SOR 1141 Presenting Skills
Presenting Skills
Abstract
Carl and Fred share their experiences in presenting, what they have learned, what is most important in achieving excellent presentations.
ᐅ Play Episode
CR148: Get a GRIPP on Agricultural Operations, Equipment, and Maintenance – It is CMMS for Farming
Get a GRIPP on Agricultural Operations, Equipment, and Maintenance – It is CMMS for Farming
We finally have technology dedicated to farming and equipment management!! It’s called GRIPP and we’ve got the CEO, Tracey Wiedmeyer, telling us the story!!
How did the journey start?
It’s Dead Simple to use for a reason!
Why does it matter and how does it fit perfectly for agriculture?
This is a journey you’ll all want to follow! The best part is you’re working with folks that understand you, they’ve done the work, they know farming and all that goes along with it. This solution was purpose built for you and what you do!
Visit www.gripp.ag now and find out more!
