Speaking Of Reliability: Friends Discussing Reliability Engineering Topics | Warranty | Plant Maintenance

Best Lessons Learned Method Abstract Capturing lessons learned can be a monumental waste of time—or it can be transformative. Join Fred and Mojan as they explore what separates the two through a cautionary tale: when three engineering teams independently removed electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection from a product to save costs, it nearly bankrupted the division. […]

Weibull and Crow-AMSSA Key Points On the Use of Weibull vs. Crow AMSAA (Crow-AMSAA) for Repairable Systems – Philip Sage introduced the topic after seeing a LinkedIn discussion emphasizing Crow AMSAA over Weibull for repairable systems. – The post initially appeared to strongly advocate against Weibull, but on a closer read, it functioned as an […]

What is Reliability? Abstract What is the definition of reliability? Outside of the field of reliability, who defines it or what a failure is? Join Mojan and Fred as they explore how reliability is perceived across the product development ecosystem—from customers to suppliers to design engineers—and why the classic “but it met the spec!” defense […]

Why Gaps? Abstract Carl and Fred discuss why effective reliability planning begins with identifying the gaps between an organization’s current capabilities and its long-term reliability vision. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss why identifying gaps are often missed in reliability planning and how to remedy. Topics include: Reliability planning should begin with […]

The Reliability Contract Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss the reliability contract: the RE’s role as internal consultant. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they discuss the reliability engineer’s role as an internal consultant and why setting clear expectations is vital for project success. Topics include: the three main ways reliability experts provide value how […]

Got a Chamber? So… Abstract In this episode of the Podcast, Fred Schenkelberg and Philip Sage explore the importance of aligning test methods with real-world reliability problems rather than defaulting to familiar tools or pre-existing equipment. Through anecdotes from industry experience—including discussions on environmental chambers, vendor testing standards, and engineering challenges in fields like automotive, […]

Reliability is Still Important Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss how to keep reliability a priority when dealing with changing suppliers. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss shifting suppliers and how to ensure reliability when components or manufacturing locations change. Topics include: If a product was developed using HALT methods, then it should […]

Changing Conditions and Challenges Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the many ways working on creating a reliable product is difficult. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss the impact of changes in economic forces, which, for one, creates the need to adjust reliability plans. Topics include: The impact of short-term budget tightening. The […]

Ongoing Projects Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss the 10th anniversary of the publication of Kirk’s book, Next Generation HALT and HASS: Robust Design of Electronics and Systems. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss the reasons and relevance of writing a book on HALT and HASS and why it was intended to be […]

Future Reliability Engineering Abstract Mojan and Fred discuss the monumental reliability challenges of a mission to Mars. While the fundamental physics remains the same, they explore why success depends on a more rigorous application of existing methods, autonomous systems, and the shift toward heavy simulation and in-situ repairs. Key Points Join Mojan and Fred as they […]

Analyzing failure data for repairable systems sounds straightforward—until you start asking the right questions. In this episode, Chris and Fred unpack a listener’s challenge: how to model reliability when failed components are repaired and returned to service. The discussion quickly moves beyond Weibull curves and into a more uncomfortable reality—maintenance itself often increases failure risk, at least in the short term. With limited data and multiple failure mechanisms at play, traditional statistical approaches can mislead more than they help. Instead, the focus shifts to understanding failure physics, questioning assumptions, and making practical decisions that actually improve reliability—not just model it.

Why Paper Jams Persist Abstract Mojan and Fred dive into the surprisingly complex world of the “paper jam,” a problem that remains a daily frustration despite decades of high-level scientific research. From Fred’s time at HP to the massive technical laboratories at Xerox, they explore why the interaction between rigid mechanisms and non-rigid, organic media […]

Our Unique Role in Reliability Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the ongoing challenge between doing reliability work ourselves and enabling others to accomplish the work. And what is the future human role in the field of reliability, given the advancements in AI? Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the unique role of […]