#131 – RELIABILITY MATURITY MATRIX – FRED SCHENKELBERG

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ABC FredThe concept of a maturity model is not new. A maturity model provides a means to identify the current state and illuminate the possible improvements to a reliability program. The matrix serves a guide to assist an organization in improving its program.

The matrix has five stages. In general, the higher stages are most cost effective and efficient at achieving higher rates of product reliability performance. These stages—uncertainty, awaking, enlightenment, wisdom, and certainty—are described in the following. The complete matrix is posted at http://accendoreliability.com/reliability-maturity. Continue reading

#130 – WORST CASE TOLERANCE ANALYSIS – FRED SCHENKELBERG

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ABC FredWorst-case tolerance analysis is the starting point when creating a tolerance specification. It is a conservative approach as it only considers the maximum or minimum values of part variation—whichever leads to the worst situation. Setting tolerances such that the system will function given the expected variation of manufactured components improves that ability of the system to perform reliably. Continue reading

#129 – WHAT MAKES THE BEST RELIABILITY ENGINEER? – FRED SCHENKELBERG

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ABC FredFormal education (masters or Ph.D) or design/manufacturing engineering experience?

Where do you look when hiring a new reliability engineer? Do you head to U of Maryland or other university reliability program to recruit the top talent? Or, do you promote/assign from within? Where do yo find the best reliability people?

What make a good reliability engineer? Continue reading

#128 – WHEN TO STOP TESTING – FRED SCHENKELBERG

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ABC FredWhen should you stop testing? The quick answer is to stop testing when the testing provides no value. If no one is going to review the results or use the information to make decisions, those are good signs that the testing provides no value. Of course, this may be difficult to recognize. Continue reading

#127 – DESIGN FOR RELIABILITY IS MORE THAN A SET OF TASKS – FRED SCHENKELBERG

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ABC FredWhat is “design for reliability” (DFR) and how would you recognize it if it was occurring? Is it possible for an individual to ”do” DFR? Is design for reliability a specific technique? Like meditation, nearly anyone can strike a pose that appears similar to someone in deep meditation, yet can you tell by observation if that person is really mediating? Probably not. The same is true for organizations or people declaring that they are doing DFR. Maybe they are—or maybe not. Continue reading