RH015: Drew Troyer & Chris Carroll / Unlocking Potential: Empowering People in Reliability

Drew Troyer & Chris Carroll / Unlocking Potential: Empowering People in Reliability

An in-depth conversation with Chris Carroll, CEO and co-founder of Mainstream, and Drew Troyer from Anglo American. Chris shares the origins of Mainstream and its unique approach to maintenance conferences that focus on both technical aspects and people-centric issues like change management and leadership. The discussion highlights how the conference successfully integrates sessions on meditation, yoga, and diversity to enhance engagement. Drew praises the conference’s emphasis on human factors and its innovative approach to fostering communication among attendees. The podcast concludes with insights into Mainstream’s future expansion plans, including a new conference in the UK.

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by William Crane Leave a Comment

RG004: Lubrication – The Most Important Task?

Lubrication – The Most Important Task?

Hello #reliabilitygang I hope you are all having a productive week. This weeks podcast we talk about Lubrication and why it’s probably one of the most important reliability tasks we carry out. We talk about the effects of poor practice and how damaging a poor lubrication practice can be. We talk about ways to improve practice and how these methods can increase the life of your machines. We also talk about a recent case study poor practice in lubrication caused a critical failure!

We would love to get your thoughts on this weeks podcast in the forum! You can access it below.

https://conditionmonitoring.co.uk/forums/
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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

CR167: Planning, Buy In and Blameless Fixes for CMMS Implementation Success with Alex Bolan

Planning, Buy In and Blameless Fixes for CMMS Implementation Success with Alex Bolan

In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Bolan from Digital Thinker Inc., fresh off the Streamline Asset Management User Conference. We cover a lot in a short time — from implementation pitfalls to training that actually sticks — with more in-depth episodes coming soon.

One thing Alex makes clear: successful CMMS implementation isn’t magic. It takes full-spectrum buy-in, effective communication, and a plan that doesn’t fall apart under pressure.

Start validation early — it’s about confirming the system, not checking every box.
Don’t skip planning — your project plan is your backbone.
Training should build confidence — show each role how it makes their job easier.
If your data’s a mess, starting fresh can save you in the long run.
AI can help, but only if your data’s meaningful. No shortcuts here.

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by Enrico Belmonte Leave a Comment

SOR 1153 One Sample Statistical Paradox

One Sample Statistical Paradox

Abstract

Enrico and Fred discuss a listener’s question about using a single sample for testing.
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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

CR166: AI on the Frontline in A Smarter CMMS with MaintainX

AI on the Frontline in A Smarter CMMS with MaintainX

In this episode CMMSradio talks with Roshan Satish, AI Lead at MaintainX, about how artificial intelligence is being thoughtfully integrated into maintenance workflows. They focus on empowering frontline workers, simplifying data tasks, preserving institutional knowledge, and enhancing CMMS usability—without replacing technicians. Roshan explains how their AI assistant uses real-world interactions, customer habits, and reliable sources to deliver helpful, validated support while avoiding common pitfalls like hallucinations or irrelevant answers.

Key Topics:

Embedding AI in technician workflows
Simplifying data entry and troubleshooting
Capturing knowledge from experienced staff
Ensuring AI answers are accurate and sourced

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by Christopher Jackson Leave a Comment

How to Model Switching Systems Perfectly

podcast episode with speaker Chris Jackson

Switching systems can be great. The idea is that we can use redundant components to extend the life of a system … and protect the ‘standby’ component from harm until the ‘primary’ component fails. To do this, we need a switch. This often means that we get better reliability than a ‘parallel system’ where both redundant components start wearing out from day one. By protecting the standby component with a switch, reliability can be greatly extended. However, the analysis of a switching system can be challenging. The switch can fail, and the standby component has different reliability characteristics in ‘standby’ and ‘operational’ modes. Many textbooks model switching systems using very basic assumptions to simplify the analysis. But … these assumptions are so inaccurate for most real-world systems that they estimate reliability to be worse than that of a parallel system! This webinar shows you how to model switching (and other complex) systems using Monte Carlo Simulation in Excel … to come up with a ‘perfect’ model to ensure that all that hard work that goes into designing a switching system is not missed by the subsequent analysis! [Read more…]

by Enrico Belmonte Leave a Comment

SOR 1152 Reliability Engineering Compentancies

Reliability Engineering Competencies

Abstract

Enrico and Fred discuss the essential or basic skills necessary to be a good reliability engineer.
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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

CR165: CMMS Implementation: Simple, Not Easy with Trent McJunkin

CMMS Implementation: Simple, Not Easy with Trent McJunkin

CMMSradio welcomes Trent McJunkin to CMMSradio for a thoughtful conversation on what makes CMMS implementations successful. They reflect on past and upcoming events while digging into real-world insights for getting maintenance systems right. McJunkin emphasizes that while CMMS implementation is conceptually simple, execution is complex—demanding alignment between technicians and stakeholders. Key points include avoiding common pitfalls, building strong business cases, training with purpose, and not letting the tool drive the process. The episode wraps with plans to continue the conversation during their June panel discussion.

Topics Covered:

Building stakeholder-focused business cases
Common implementation pitfalls
Documentation of workflows and requirements
Training strategies and technician engagement
Smart data migration and cleanup
Role of CMMS vendors and real-world experience
Preventive maintenance planning
Asset hierarchy optimization
Use of AI in CMMS
Feedback loops and follow-through

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by Dianna Deeney Leave a Comment

QDD 189: Karli Auble THRIVEs: Positive Psychology Meets Engineering Rigor (A Chat with Cross-Functional Experts)

Karli Auble THRIVEs: Positive Psychology Meets Engineering Rigor (A Chat with Cross-Functional Experts)

In our latest episode of our interview series, “A Chat with Cross-Functional Experts,” we delve into the human aspect of engineering with Karli Auble. Karli is a leader from the defense industry whose unique perspective integrates systems engineering with positive psychology.

With a decade of experience under her belt, Karli introduces us to her THRIVE Framework, a holistic approach for engineers to balance technical and human elements effectively.

About Karli

Karli Auble is an Engineering Leader in the defense industry who has over a decade of experience leading high-pressure teams. She is also a Speaker, Author, and Coach. With her combination master’s in systems engineering and positive psychology, she created THRIVE: a six‑pillar framework whose name stands for Thoughts, Habits, Relationships, Instincts, Values, and Environments. Karli contributed a chapter to the book Beyond the Pipeline, where she shares how engineers can embed THRIVE into their everyday lives.

What makes Karli’s perspective especially valuable for you (whether you lead a design team, drive R&D strategy, or advise high‑tech organizations) is that she translates human behavior into more reliable engineering design.

Karli’s Insights

1. Engineering with Human Error Codes in Mind: Karli emphasizes the need for engineers to recognize the ‘error codes’ in their own bodies, akin to the ones in technical systems. By paying attention to physical responses like stress or anxiety in high-pressure meetings, engineers can mitigate burnout and enhance decision-making.

2. Instincts and Environments: Two pillars of the THRIVE Framework discussed extensively by Karli are Instincts and Environments. She shares personal anecdotes and practical tools like ‘box breathing’ to manage stress and avoid ‘fight or flight’ responses during critical moments.

3. Improving Communication and Coordination: Karli touches on the necessity of fine-tuning communication, whether addressing team dynamics or engaging in conflict resolution. She shares strategies such as meeting follow-ups and environment adjustments (both physical and virtual) to foster healthier interactions.

Karli Auble’s approach, which seamlessly blends positive psychology with engineering principles, provides a refreshing perspective for professionals seeking sustainable success. By addressing both the tangible and intangible aspects of work, engineers can not only solve technical problems but thrive personally and professionally.
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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

CR164: CMMSradio Hijack Episode from Streamline 2025 Meeting Anjelica Williams of ReliabilityX

CMMSradio Hijack Episode from Streamline 2025 Meeting Anjelica Williams of ReliabilityX

This man has a face for radio! It’s George Williams and he highjacked the CMMSradio podcast, with style and grace, to host Anjelica Williams of ReliabilityX from the 2025 Streamline Asset Management User Conference in Greenville, SC. A great interview where we get insights around what’s next for ReliabilityX and her approach to constantly building this high integrity brand!

Connect with ReliabilityX here: https://reliabilityx.com/

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by Mike Konrad Leave a Comment

RM 187: Readiness Through Repair: How the U.S. Military is Strengthening Capabilities with Right to Repair

Readiness Through Repair: How the U.S. Military is Strengthening Capabilities with Right to Repair

If a $26,000 drone repair can be done in the field—but policy says it has to be shipped back to the manufacturer, do you really have a reliability problem… or a repair access problem?

Today on the show, I’m joined by William Santos, International Sales Manager at ABI Electronics and a global advocate for the Right to Repair movement.

William recently wrote a compelling article titled “Readiness Through Repair: How the U.S. Military is Strengthening Capabilities with Right to Repair,” where he explores how repair access—or the lack of it—directly impacts mission readiness, lifecycle cost, and operational resilience within the U.S. military.
For decades, highly trained military technicians have been prevented from repairing mission-critical equipment due to restricted access to diagnostic tools, software, and spare parts. That model is now being challenged.

In April 2024, the U.S. Army announced plans to embed Right-to-Repair provisions into both new and existing contracts—a major shift with enormous implications for reliability, sustainment, and cost control.

Today, we’ll unpack what this policy change really means, why repair capability is inseparable from readiness, and what lessons commercial industry can learn from the military’s pivot toward repair empowerment.

Willian’s Posts:
Exposing the Myths and Truths of the Repair Industry!
https://tinyurl.com/mr47r33p

Readiness Through Repair: How the US Military is Strengthening Capabilities with Right to Repair
https://tinyurl.com/4pytbvcs

ABI Electronics
https://www.abielectronics.co.uk

Repair Don’t Waste Podcast
https://tinyurl.com/du8skcxk

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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

CR163: No Data is Better Than Wrong Data with Peter Jurcso CERN at Streamline 2025 on CMMSradio

No Data is Better Than Wrong Data with Peter Jurcso CERN at Streamline 2025

Peter Jurcso of CERN joins CMMSradio from the Streamline Asset Management User Conference 2025 in Greenville SC to talk about data, asset management, and more. Tune in for a fun and unscripted discussion from this amazing conference!

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by Mojan Sohi Leave a Comment

SOR 1151 Why Your Product Requirements are Slipping (and How to Fix Them)

Why Your Product Requirements are Slipping (and How to Fix Them)

Abstract

Mojan and Dianna explore the often-murky transition from vague product “needs” to actionable engineering requirements. They discuss where the communication gap typically develops between product management and engineering and how to close it using tools like System and Concept FMEAs. By defining failure as the “loss of key characteristics,” teams can better understand customer impact and “lift the fog” of ambiguity early in the design process.

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by Greg Christensen Leave a Comment

CR162: Get Your House in Order Before CMMS Deployment with Joe Anderson on CMMSradio

Get Your House in Order Before CMMS Deployment with Joe Anderson on CMMSradio

Joe Anderson returns to CMMSradio to dissect the real keys to CMMS implementation success. He emphasizes that leadership, team buy-in, and cultural alignment outweigh any software feature. Drawing from hard-earned lessons and case studies, he lays out a practical, no-nonsense blueprint: from training and data cleanup to PM planning and asset hierarchy. AI may be buzzy, but Joe argues it’s culture and discipline that move the needle.

Key Bullet Points:

CMMS success depends on leadership, culture, and team buy-in — not just the tool.
Admins must be well-trained to lead coaching and involve operators early.
Data migration should focus on clean, relevant legacy data and solid PM foundations.
AI in CMMS is overhyped; disciplined culture and sound data come first.

https://reliabilityx.com/

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by Dianna Deeney Leave a Comment