
Practice Data Sets
Abstract
Chris and Fred discuss the ability to get ‘data sets’ to practice reliability analysis on! … sounds like a party …
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Your Reliability Engineering Professional Development Site
by Christopher Jackson Leave a Comment

Chris and Fred discuss the ability to get ‘data sets’ to practice reliability analysis on! … sounds like a party …
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Kirk and Fred and a long-time listener, Nik Sharpe, discuss the long history of doing this podcast from the first Speaking of Reliability podcast SOR #1, “Can you pass HALT?” recorded June 20th, 2015, to this 1000th episode.
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by Fred Schenkelberg Leave a Comment

Goals, objectives, milestones, targets, whatever you call them, just have a clear one. Setting a reliability goal is easy. Get a few people together for a short discussion and in less then 10 minutes you can craft a meaningful reliability goal.
Let’s explore the elements that make up a reliability goal. Plus, the range of inputs you can use to define each element. Plus, some best practices when establishing goals.
Finally, simply setting a goal adds value to your organization – if it is a complete and practical goal. Estimating or measuring that value can be tricky, so let’s discuss a few ways you may quantify the value of a goal.
by Mike Konrad Leave a Comment

Two episodes ago, episode 149, we talked all about automated optical inspection. Today we’re exploring the impact of less automated inspection Technology, that being optical microscopes.
From commercial, class 1 electronics to high reliability class 3 electronics, the intricate electronic devices we rely on daily are assembled with astonishing precision. This precision wouldn’t be possible without the aid of advanced optical microscopes. These remarkable instruments allow technicians and engineers to inspect, analyze, and ensure the quality of electronic components down to the minutest detail.
In this episode, we’ll uncover how optical microscopes have impacted electronic assembly, enhancing productivity, ensuring reliability, and driving innovation.
by Christopher Jackson Leave a Comment

Chris and Fred discuss how long stuff lasts! … or how long something should last! … how do you ‘know’ what it should be?
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by Christopher Jackson 2 Comments

Chris and Fred discuss how reliability can sometimes be linked to politics (… at least in some way). Is this an experience you share?
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by Dianna Deeney Leave a Comment

Can the way you present technical information drastically impact decision-making? Absolutely. In our latest podcast episode, we explore transformative methods that can elevate your technical presentations to a whole new level. Instead of relying on lifeless bullet points, the assertion evidence model encourages you to make clear recommendations at the top of each slide, coupled with compelling graphical evidence. We also delve into the six P’s—Perspective, Problem, Principle, Proposal, Proof, and Process—that serve as the backbone for structuring your presentation. These elements not only enhance learning but also facilitate more informed and productive discussions within your team.
If the thought of presenting to your team makes you anxious, we’ve got you covered. We’ll share practical advice to boost your confidence and help you deliver your findings more effectively. By focusing on the value of your insights and using the six P’s framework, you’ll be well-equipped to engage your audience and convey crucial information. As we approach a busy season of deadlines and presentations, challenge yourself to adopt these methods for the benefit of your team.
by Christopher Jackson Leave a Comment

Chris and Fred discuss how to make a good impression when interviewing for a reliability engineering position. How do you prepare?
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by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

Carl and Fred discuss a reader question about FMEA and Hazard Analysis and whether or not they can be combined into a single analysis.
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by Christopher Jackson Leave a Comment

What is a ‘root cause’ of failure? It is something that you did (or didn’t) do that ultimately resulted in failure. It’s not corrosion (that’s a physical process that follows the laws of nature that you can’t change). It’s not a porous seal that allows moisture to enter your product to cause corrosion (that’s a defect or fault that you or your team made happen). Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is the process where we systematically work out what things we did or didn’t do that allowed failure to occur, and Fault Trees are often very helpful in finding this root causes. If you want to learn more about RCA or how fault trees can help RCA, join us for this webinar.
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by Mike Konrad Leave a Comment

Statistics, at its core, is the science of making sense of data. From predicting trends and making informed decisions to ensuring quality control and optimizing processes, the applications of statistics are vast and varied. In the electronic assembly industry, where precision and reliability are paramount, statistical techniques become indispensable tools for engineers, manufacturers, and quality assurance professionals alike.
Join us as we unravel the complex yet captivating connections between statistics and the truth. We’ll delve into real-world case studies, and uncover the statistical principles that ensure the decisions we make every day are based on facts, accurate data, and accurate statistics.
In today’s episode, we’re also going to tackle some common myths associated with statistics and shed light on how misinterpretation of data can lead to false conclusions. Many people think of statistics as infallible, a definitive answer to every question posed by data. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Statistics is a powerful tool, but its effectiveness hinges on proper application and interpretation.
We’ll discuss myths such as “Correlation equals causation,” where the mere relationship between two variables is often mistaken for one causing the other. We’ll also address the misconception that a larger sample size always guarantees accurate results, and how ignoring the context or the source of data can lead to misleading outcomes.
Moreover, we’ll explore real-world examples where statistical missteps have led to costly errors and how these pitfalls can be avoided through rigorous analysis and critical thinking. By understanding these common misconceptions and learning how to approach data critically, you’ll be better equipped to harness the true power of statistics.
by Carl S. Carlson Leave a Comment

Carl and Fred discuss the challenges of hidden reliability problems, especially issues that are certain to occur, but not easily observed. When failures are invisible or hidden, they can be missed or ignored.
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Greg and Fred discuss why risk is becoming a personal issue to home owners and to all of us. They discuss aging infrastructure risk, who pays, and how to mitigate these risks.
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How do you balance customer wants with project constraints? If your customer-facing teammates are saying our customers want this, that and the other thing, which ones do we prioritize over others?
Not all features are equal in the eyes of our customers. And not all features are value-added, either.
In this episode, we delve into how to prioritize customer wants using the powerful Kano Model, a tool that maps customer satisfaction against the implementation of product features.
You’ll learn how to differentiate between essential and non-essential features, ensuring that your design truly resonates with your customers. This episode walks through the intricacies of the Kano Model’s two-by-two matrix and the different satisfaction levels represented by various lines and curves.
Too complex? We break it down. Prioritize your features based on their impact to the customer using their voice. Then, consider how well you want to implement that in your design using the Kano Model.
Get ready for practical tips and proven strategies to enhance your product’s value while managing cost, time, and design trade-offs. This episode is an introduction to the Kano Model for design.

Greg and Fred discuss quality from engineering and quality points of view. Greg is developing AI engineering applications. Greg wants to build, ship, and monetize. Fred wants to build quality in. What do you think is the right way?
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