Speaking Of Reliability: Friends Discussing Reliab

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 Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss Topics include: point 1 point 2 point 3 Enjoy an episode of Speaking of Reliability. Where you can join friends as they discuss reliability topics. Join us as we discuss topics ranging from design for reliability techniques to […]

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 Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss Topics include: point 1 point 2 point 3 Enjoy an episode of Speaking of Reliability. Where you can join friends as they discuss reliability topics. Join us as we discuss topics ranging from design for reliability techniques to […]

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 Key Points Join Enrico and Fred as they discuss Topics include: point 1 point 2 point 3 Enjoy an episode of Speaking of Reliability. Where you can join friends as they discuss reliability topics. Join us as we discuss topics ranging from design for reliability techniques […]

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 […]

Reliability and Volume Abstract Dianna and Fred discuss reliability and volume, comparing high-volume products with low-volume high-stakes products. Key Points Join Dianna and Fred as they compare reliability strategies for NASA’s one-of-a-kind lunar instruments versus mass-produced consumer electronics. Topics include: why the definition of reliability remains constant for the customer  how risks shift from craftsmanship […]

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, […]

Right Tool at the Right Time Abstract Philip and Fred discuss a common challenge in reliability engineering: using the right tool—not just the one you’re most comfortable with. Key Points In this episode of Speaking of Reliability, Fred Schenkelberg and Philip Sage explore a common challenge in reliability engineering: using the right tool—not just the one […]