K out of N Systems

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss about this thing called a ‘k out of n’ system … and how most people don’t really know about how they contribute to system reliability. Do you know what the reliability curve of a ‘k out of n’ system looks like when compared to series or parallel systems? Don’t know what these systems are? Listen to this podcast!
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FMEA Detection – Useful?

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss a reader question about assessing risk related to detection, as part of FMEA procedure, specifically its usefulness and application.
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Reliability Goals and Requirements

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss the importance of well-written reliability requirements and whether they should be goals or actual requirements.
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Redundancy Risk Balance

Abstract

Greg and Fred discuss what is redundancy and why it’s a critical business tool. ᐅ Play Episode

Risk and Reliability Lenses

Abstract

Greg and Fred discuss risk and reliability lenses for solving today’s dynamic problems.
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Reliability from WWII

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss some of the things we have learned in the world of reliability directly due to World War II. Not many people know that around one third of today’s medical vaccines were developed out of necessity from World War II … and something similar happened when it came to making things reliable.
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Just Assuming

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss what it means to ‘assume’ something. We assume things all the time in our daily lives. We would never get anything done if we didn’t rely on quick ‘guesses’ about the world around us. But then there are those ‘assumptions’ that get us in trouble. So what’s the difference?
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Regulation Reducing Safety

Abstract

Greg and Fred discuss conformity assessment and what should and can you do to comply with a regulatory requirement.
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Improving Information

Abstract

Greg and Fred discuss how to improve your ability to get the right information to solve the right problems.
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When to do Monte Carlo Simulation (… and what is it)?

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss when you should do this thing called Monte Carlo simulation? … in fact … what is it?
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Many Ways to Estimate Reliability

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss how we can go about estimating reliability … especially when you don’t have a lot of data, experience or other things that textbooks say you need to have to estimate reliability?
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Lifespan of an FMEA

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss a reader question about what is called a “living FMEA.” Is this a good idea? How is it done?
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RCM and FMEAs

Abstract

Carl and Fred discuss a reader question on FMEAs that involve maintenance. Specifically, can a Design FMEA have causes that are maintenance related?
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Details and Plans

Abstract

Greg and Fred discuss why and how the triple constraints of a project: schedule, cost, and scope variances result in risks that can result in project failure.

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Plug and Pray

Abstract

Greg and Fred discuss why engineers plug numbers into a formula not really knowing why or what they are doing.  At best, this is called ‘plug and play.’  At worst, this is called ‘plug and pray’ the formula works.

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