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Gain the experience of your peers to accelerate improvement of your program and career. Improve your product development process, reliability or warranty performance; or your plant uptime or asset performance. Learn about reliability and maintenance engineering practical approaches, skills, and techniques. Join the conversation today.
How to Select FMEA Abstract Dianna and Carl discuss how to select FMEA. Key Points Join Dianna and Carl as they discuss how to select FMEA strategically, focusing on how to move beyond random or checkbox approaches to provide real engineering value. Topics include: The philosophy of doing fewer FMEAs really well rather than many […]
The Evolving Nature of FMEA Abstract Carl and Fred discuss how the fundamentals of FMEA have remained constant over the decades while the methods, tools, and applications have evolved to better support product development in today’s fast-paced engineering environment Key Points Join Carl and Fred emphasize that successful FMEA depends on critical thinking, knowledgeable teams, […]
AI Techniques and Projects Abstract Dianna and Chris discuss AI techniques and projects they’ve been working on. Key Points Join Dianna and Chris as they discuss why AI in reliability should be treated as a powerful enhancer for pre-existing knowledge rather than a shortcut for the engineering basics. Topics include: AI-assisted FMEA approach that transitions […]
DFR and Reliability Engineers Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the role of reliability engineers and implementing design for reliability. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss how reliability professionals can assist, not do, design for reliability. Topics include: The various tools involved with a good design for reliability program. The problem with a […]
What makes Accendo Reliability valuable? In this episode, Chris and Fred explore how a free, practitioner-driven platform helps engineers solve real-world reliability problems every day. The discussion goes beyond website traffic and content metrics to examine the true value of shared knowledge—helping engineers learn faster, make better decisions, and avoid costly mistakes. They also discuss why practical experience often carries more weight than academic theory alone, and how contributors benefit by building trust and credibility within the industry. If you've ever relied on an article, podcast, webinar, or case study to solve a problem, this episode highlights why knowledge sharing remains one of the most powerful tools in reliability engineering.
Physics-of-failure models are often presented as the ultimate solution for predicting reliability—but are they always necessary? In this episode, Chris and Fred explore a listener's question about finding reliable references for physics-of-failure models, particularly for electronics and PCB assemblies. The discussion highlights the spectrum of available models, from simple empirical equations to highly detailed simulations requiring extensive material and manufacturing data. More importantly, they explain why engineers should start by defining the decision they need to make before searching for increasingly sophisticated models. If you're trying to improve reliability, select materials, design accelerated tests, or understand failure mechanisms, this episode offers practical guidance on when physics-of-failure modeling adds value and when simpler approaches may be more effective.
FMEA Compensating Provisions Abstract Carl and Fred discuss the concept of compensating provisions in FMEA—design features or operator actions that mitigate the consequences of failures and improve safety. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how to identify and evaluate Compensating Provisions in FMEAs. Topics include: Compensating provisions is an FMEA element present in military […]
FMEA Scales Abstract Carl and Fred discuss whether FMEA teams should use the 1–10 Severity, Occurrence, and Detection (SOD) scales in some FMEA Standards, or whether they can tailor the scales to better fit their applications. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss the essence of FMEA scales and how to apply them […]
AI Names ‘Best’ Reliability Engineers Abstract Kirk and Fred discuss a recent AI search topic: who is the best reliability engineer? Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss how AI tends to provide answers with some bias towards the person inquiring and maybe a little bit of confirmation bias. Topics include: Why do Fred […]
Electronics in Today’s Vehicles Abstract Kirk and Fred discussed a recent search topic on electronics reliability when we found an article on the durability of automotive electronics. Key Points Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss automotive reliability and how many failure causes stem from variations in the long vertical supply chain in manufacturing. Topics […]
They Are Just Not Listening Abstract “They’re just not listening.” But what if the problem isn’t their ears—it’s their incentives? Join Fred and Mojan as they explore why people resist change, what actually motivates behavior, and how to drive change when you don’t have formal authority. Key Points Join Fred and Mojan as they explore […]
MTBF to Weibull? Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss a listener’s question about the process to convert a MTBF value to a Weibull curve. Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss a few questions concerning a proposed method to derive a Weibull curve from a MTBF value. Topics include: The available data Making assumptions […]
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. […]
Damage Modeling Abstract What exactly is “damage” in engineering, and how do you predict when it will end a product’s life? Join Mojan and Fred as they explore damage modeling through the lens of reliability engineering. They discuss why understanding damage accumulation is critical for both designers and field teams, and how monitoring thresholds throughout […]
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 […]
Complex Product Reliability Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the difference between complex and complicated products and what it means for reliability engineering. Using examples ranging from rockets and home appliances to computers and fountain pens, they explore the limits of component-level analysis, the role of system testing, and why surprises remain unavoidable even in well-engineered […]
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 […]
Yes, Culture Can Change Abstract Carl and Fred discuss why organizational culture is not fixed, and how reliability-focused leadership, communication, and sustained engagement can gradually transform the way teams think and operate. Key Points Join Carl and Fred as they discuss how reliability culture can change in a company of organization. Topics include: Organizational culture […]
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 […]
Networking and Professional Development Abstract Enrico and Fred discuss the value of professional networking in reliability engineering. Drawing from their experiences with Accendo Reliability, they explore how sharing knowledge, contributing content, and engaging with experts outside one’s company can accelerate professional growth, strengthen reliability culture, and create opportunities for both individuals and organizations. Key Points […]
