Shows
Reliability - It Matters!Episode 40: Beyond the Curve: Making Sense of Remaining Useful LifeIn this episode, I speak with Philip Sage from Mantua Group, and we discuss Remaining Useful Life. We discuss how to calculate it, its importance, and how we can get it wrong. Tune in to hear an insightful conversation. You can reach out to Phil via LinkedIn.
2025-12-0929 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 39: AI in Reliability and MaintenanceIn this episode, I speak with Sandeep Jadhav about Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Maintenance and Reliability. We discuss the implementation of Machine Learning in the Industry, the challenges it presents, and what can be done to implement it successfully.You can reach out to Sandeep via LinkedIn.
2025-08-1929 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 38: Reading the Plot: Reliability Tales from Fleets & Parts with AyazIn this episode of Reliability — It Matters, we’re heading to space — and straight into the fascinating world of probability plots, random failures, and what your data really says about your assets.Our guest, an engineer from Blue Origin, joins us to unpack the crucial difference between looking at failure data for a single component versus an entire fleet. We dig into why probability plots are powerful tools for spotting patterns, busting myths like the misuse of MTBF, and how good (or bad!) data practices can make or break your reliability insights — whether you’re launching rockets or keeping...
2025-07-2130 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 37: MTBF: Making time for Broken Electronics with PhilipIn this episode, I speak with Philip Sage about the MTBF (again), but with a focus on its indiscriminate use to describe electronic component failures. Phil shares the history of its use and how it has become the de facto metric. If you want to learn more about how to assess the Reliability of your Electronic components, then you should reach out to Phil through LinkedIn or his website (https://mantua.group/).
2025-06-1728 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 36: Reliability Rebooted: AI in Asset Management with ShaneIn this episode, I speak with Shane Scriven about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Asset Management and Reliability Engineering. We talk about how AI can transform Reliability practices and help us make better decisions faster. If you want to learn more, reach out to Shane through LinkedIn.
2025-05-1230 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 35: One Size Fits All Asset Management?In this episode, I speak with Philip Sage about organizations' challenges with recording failure data and making the most of it, how this affects their ability to make data-driven decisions, and their inability to apply an Asset Management framework specific to their risk profile.If you want to learn more about creating an Asset Management framework tailored to your needs reach out to Philip Sage throughLinkedIn.
2025-02-0928 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 34: Understanding DistributionsIn this episode, Miguel and I discuss Failure Distributions and how to interpret their information. We discuss everything from probability plots to CDFs and PDFs.
If you want to learn more about the different distributions, feel free to ask me or Miguel, and we will be more than happy to help where we can.
2025-01-2731 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 33: Reliability misconceptions in the Mining IndustryIn this episode, I enjoyed having Miguel on the podcast. We talked all about misconceptions surrounding reliability in the mining industry. From the common mix-ups between maintenance and reliability engineering to the often-overlooked strategies for enhancing the role of a reliability engineer, we’re tackling it all.
We’ll discuss what it takes to become a better reliability engineer, clarify the distinct responsibilities of maintenance versus reliability professionals, and explore actionable ways to elevate the state of reliability engineering in the field.
So grab your hard hat and let’s break ground on some eye-opening conver...
2025-01-1229 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 32: Maintainer’s Magic: Strategies, Reliability & Work Instructions with CameronIn this episode, I speak with Cameron Wight about the importance of enabling maintainers to understand the decision-making process behind the maintenance they perform and why it is important to write the work instructions to allow correct execution and capture the correct level of information. Cameron also shares his experience in the defense, maritime, and communication industries.
2024-10-3027 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 31: Why the MTBF with Phil!In this episode, I speak with Philip Sage. Today, we're diving into the murky waters of Mean Time Between Failures, or as some of us like to call it, 'Maybe This'll Be Fine'. We'll uncover why relying on MTBF can sometimes be as risky as trusting your umbrella on a windy day. But don't worry, we've got you covered with some solid alternatives that won't leave you high and dry!
2024-06-1231 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 30: Naval Reliability: A Cultural Voyage with CMDR MooreIn this episode, I spoke with CMDR Simon Moore from the Royal Australian Navy and Truong Nguyen from Babcock. We discussed what drives a Reliability Culture in the Navy and how it can be improved. Additionally, we explore the differences between Maintenance and Reliability in the defense industry compared to Mining or Oil and Gas, and the starkly different consequences they entail
If you would like to join the RAN and work with amazing people like CMDR Moore then you can find additional information here.
2024-04-1428 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 29: Root Cause Analysis and Defect Elimination with Philip SageIn this episode, I speak with Philip Sage about Root Cause Analysis and Defect Elimination. I wanted to understand the difference between both and learn where they can be applied. Philip shares his experiences and what defect elimination can do for your organization.
If you want to learn more about Defect Elimination, you can reach out to him on LinkedIn.
2024-03-1035 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 28: Air & Sea: Shared Horizons with DavidIn this episode, I spoke with David and we chatted about the parallels across the commercial aviation and defense maritime industry. David shared his experience of what it was like working for an airline and what lessons can be adopted across the defense sector. We talk about the general population's expectations and how the Airline Industry has been at the forefront of delivering world-class maintenance.
If you have a question for David, you can contact him via LinkedIn.
Note: All views in this podcast are my own.
2024-02-2232 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 27: A Maintainers view on Maintenance decisions and Life in the NavyIn this episode, I speak to Grahame Paton who worked in the Royal Australian Navy for over 30 years and currently works as a Reliability Engineer. He shares his view as an Electronic Maintenance Technician on the importance of involving maintainers when making decisions on maintenance changes.
We also spoke about the wonderful life the Navy has to offer, and its pros and cons but as Grahame says he wouldn't have it any other way and is very proud and happy that he served for 30 years.
If you want to get in touch...
2024-02-0426 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 26: Hiring tips for Reliability EngineersJoin me in this episode as I sit down with the insightful Christopher Butt to unravel the keys to securing that coveted role in an organization. From our shared experiences with Hiring Managers to practical tips on acing job interviews, we delve into what sets Reliability Engineers apart in the hiring process.
If you want to get in contact with Chirs, you can contact him via LinkedIn.
2023-11-3029 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 25: Statistics for Reliability Engineers Part IIIn this episode, I speak with Luke and hear his thoughts on the level of Statistical knowledge required to become a good Reliability Engineer. This is a very open-ended question as the logical answer to this problem seems to be, it depends. The dependencies arise from what you want to achieve as a Reliability Engineer.
Listen to this podcast, if you want to learn more about the depth of Statistics required for a Reliability Engineer.
If you have any questions for Luke, you can contact him on LinkedIn.
Let me know what you think of this episode. Plea...
2023-10-0128 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 24: Maintenance Planning & Scheduling with ErikIn this episode, I speak with Erik about the importance of Work Management and planning and scheduling. This is an aspect that is quite often overlooked when thinking about Maintenance Strategy improvement. Eirk talks about the key elements organizations need to consider to improve their Work Management and this includes Priotiization of Work Orders, the Value of Productivity, and holding your people accountable. Listen in to learn what your organization can do to improve its planning and scheduling processes and move from reactive to proactive maintenance.
You can get in contact with Erik through...
2023-07-1629 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 23: Reliability, Availability & Maintainability (RAM) SimulationIn this episode, Shane Scriven and I, continue our conversation from the previous episode and build on Reliability Modelling basics. We talk about the differences between Modelling & Simulation and how uncertainty plays a key role.
We also discuss the various inputs required for simulating our assets and gain valuable insights for spare optimization, labour hours and cost estimation and ofcourse, the expected Reliability & Availability measures.
You can check out Shane's articles here:
1. Reliability Eugenics
2. Reliability Eugenics Part 2 Systems Engineering
3. Reliability Eugenics Part 3 RAM Engineering
4...
2023-06-0629 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 22: Reliability Modelling BasicsIn this episode, I speak with Shane Scriven about Reliability Modelling. Understanding the basics and building blocks of a Reliability Model is essential. The applications of Reliability Modelling are many, starting from the design all the way to its operation. The primary inputs to building a Reliability Model are component failure rates, repair times, & system configuration. The model outputs can provide valuable insights into the probability of failures and overall system reliability.
2023-05-3128 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 21: Simplifying Hypothesis Testing with SandeepIn this episode, I speak with Sandeep Jadhav about Hypothesis Testing. We talk about what Hypothesis Testing is and why we need it.
If you want to understand what the "p" value is and interpret that, you've come to the right place. Sandeep explains the concept of the Null alternate hypothesis as well as the producer's risk or as he likes to call it an overreaction in the simplest way possible. If you were ever apprehensive about learning about Hypothesis Testing then this is the podcast for you.
If...
2023-05-0932 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 20: Good to Great LeadersIn this episode, I speak with Teeshal Bal about what it takes to be a great leader and the challenges engineering professionals face when making the transition to a leadership role. The biggest struggle is understanding the difference between technical leadership and adaptive leadership. We often forget that we cannot look at people simply as numbers, people are highly complex, and understanding the nuances and getting the balance is crucial to creating high-performing teams. Tune in if you want to learn what you need to do in becoming a good to great leader!
You...
2023-03-2728 min
Reliability - It Matters!Episode 19: Integrated Logistics Support and Logistics Support Analysis Introduction with IanIntegrated Logistics Support (ILS) and Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) are terms commonly used in the Defence Industry but in other industries, it is not discussed. However, the different facets of LSA such as FMECA, RCM, Maintenance Task Analysis & Level of Repair Analysis are performed but these activities lack cohesion and are often performed in isolation or as disparate activities. In this episode, I got an introduction to what ILS and LSA are, the differences between them, and the benefits of performing LSA during the design lifecycle of any asset.
If you want to learn more about ILS a...
2023-02-0523 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 18: Reliability, Safety & Systems Engineering with FahadIn this episode, I speak with Fahad Izhar about Reliability and its relation to Safety. We discuss the delicate balance of maintaining high-Reliability and ensuring the safety of the end user. Exploring this relation got us talking about how System Requirements impact how this balance can be achieved. We ended the episode briefly talking about what the future Reliability Engineer will be expected to do which we will explore in detail in another episode.
If you have any questions you can contact Fahad through LinkedIn.
2023-01-2929 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 17: IoT and ReliabilityMy understanding of the Internet of things (IoT 4.0) was rather rudimentary. In this episode, I speak with Sunil Vedula from Nanoprecise to enhance my understanding of the basics of IoT 4.0. We talk about the challenges, constraints, and benefits. This is a great episode to dip your feet in the world of IoT and predictive maintenance.
If you want to learn more about IoT, get in contact with Sunil Vedula at solutions@nanoprecise.io or you can visit their website to learn more about what solutions they have to offer.
2023-01-0933 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 16: Bathtub Curve Misconceptions with DaneIn this episode, I had a great discussion with Dane Boers from Modla about the misconceptions about the bathtub curve and the 6 failure patterns. The bathtub curve has been at the foundation of nearly every Reliability course and is the first introduction for any new Reliability Engineer, however, the underlying assumptions are never discussed. Dane and I speak about these assumptions and how they are misrepresented.
If you have any questions on Reliability, feel free to reach out to me through LinkedIn or to Dane, and let me know if you have any questions and if there i...
2022-10-1644 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 15: Six Sigma and Reliability IIIn this episode, I continued my conversation with Sandeep Jadhav from where we left off in our previous podcast together. We took a deeper dive into concepts of Six Sigma such as 1.5 Sigma Shift, Design for Six Sigma, and the impact of IoT 4.0 on how we approach Six Sigma principles. If you want to learn more about Six Sigma you can get in touch with Sandeep through LinkedIn.
2022-09-2829 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 14: RCM Task Selection and FrequencyIn this episode, I speak with Adam Armstrong from KPMG about the process of selecting a maintenance task using the RCM process. We also explore how we determine the appropriate frequency for the task. We also talk about the importance of defining your failure mode correctly and how it impacts task selection, and some of the common misconceptions of RCM specifically, you always need failure data to determine task periodicity and the distinction between MTBF, Useful life, and the Wear-Out of a component. This episode builds up from episode 13, where we introduce the concept of Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM).
2022-09-2531 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 13: What is RCM?In this episode, I speak with John Seaman, who answers my questions about RCM. He simplified the RCM methodology and provided some extraordinary explanations of what RCM is and what it is not. We also discussed the difference between Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) and RCM, where RCM is the continuation of the FMECA process and answers how the failure matters and what can be done to mitigate the consequences of the failure.
If you have any questions about RCM, you can contact John Seaman via LinkedIn.
Please like, share, and subscribe to th...
2022-08-0727 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 12: Condition Monitoring and their benefitsIn this episode, I speak with Scott Henderson all about Condition Monitoring. He provides an great understanding of the different Condition Monitoring techniques, the P-F interval and the techniques which give us the maximum warning time. We talk about how important it is to consider not just the cost of performing the maintenance but to take into account the consequences of failure. The most important thing any Condition Monitoring Tech or engineer can do is to ensure that the recommendations are implemented and the assessment is closed out i.e. the root cause is identified which makes Scott and...
2022-07-2033 min
Reliability - It Matters!Episode 11: Six Sigma and ReliabilityIn this episode, I speak with Sandeep (Sunny) Jadhav about Six Sigma and its importance to Reliability. Sandeep provides some great examples of how he has helped his units understand concepts of Six Sigma such as Hypothesis testing, p-value, Statistical Process Control, and the like. He is on a mission to educate people on the benefits of Six Sigma and shares his perspective and expertise on the matter.
If you would like to learn more about Six Sigma and how to get started on your journey of implementing Six Sigma, you can contact him via LinkedIn.
2022-06-1225 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 10: Reliability CultureIn this episode, I speak with Harish about implementing a Reliability culture and discuss some of our experiences. We also talk about what can be done to implement a culture where Reliability improvement initiatives are accepted and championed. If you want to contact Harish, you can do so via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/harish-lala-22566942/).
If you have any questions, or want to have a chat on Reliability feel free to get in touch with me either through LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-athalye-cmrp-cre-63555ba3/) or send me an email on akshay.athalye2@gmail.com
2022-06-0226 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 9: Continuous Improvement with AnthonyIn this episode, I speak with Anthony Natoli and talk about Continuous Improvement (CI). He shares his experiences and the journey the site has taken to reach a level of maturity where they have now embedded the CI practices and can see the benefits. Anthony shares the challenges, his learnings, and how they started the CI journey.
You can get In touch with Anthony via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-natoli-50038166/) or email him at (anthony.natoli@ccep.com).
2022-04-1130 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 8: What is Weibull Distribution?In this episode, I speak with Dane Boers and discuss Weibull distribution. He provides some great examples to explain the different parameters of Weibull distribution, the characteristic life, and the shape parameter. I never thought that it could be made simple! We also talk about how we can use the outputs from a Weibull Analysis i.e. the probability of failure, to prevent equipment downtime.
You can get in touch with Dane via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daneboers/) or send him an email at dane@modla.co
2022-04-0538 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 7: Discrete Event Simulation and Risk MatrixIn this episode, I speak with Andrew Kelleher, MD at RAMS Mentat GmbH on his take on the use of Risk Matrix and how he sees the benefit of not using one for making optimum decisions. We discuss the importance of performing simulation to assess the needs of a system and to determine appropriate maintenance and sparing strategies.
We trivialize complex issues when there are no formal tools and Andrew provides his perspective on how we approach these problems to create a solution based on Discrete Event Simulation.
You can get in touch with Andrew Ke...
2022-03-2733 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 6: Binomial and Poisson DistributionIn this episode, I welcome Luke back to the podcast. We discuss what Poisson and Binomial distributions are, and what their applications are in the industry and specifically for Reliability Engineers.
If you want to learn more about Probability Distributions Used in Reliability Engineering then please check out this free paper:
https://crr.umd.edu/sites/crr.umd.edu/files/Free%20Ebook%20Probability%20Distributions%20Used%20in%20Reliability%20Engineering.pdf
2022-02-0625 min
Maintenance DisruptedBack to Basics - Missing Fundamentals With Akshay AthalyeIn this episode we chat with new podcaster Akshay to talk about some of the missing fundamentals in industry. Join us for this fun conversation where we scratch the surface of KPIs, RCM, FMECA, and a variety of other topics!
Episode Shout Outs:
Akshay Athalye - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-athalye-cmrp-63555ba3/
Reliability it Matters! - https://accendoreliability.com/series/rim/
Don't forget to check out our sponsor! www.nanoprecise.io
If your company sells products or services to engaged maintenance & reliability professionals, tell your marketing manager about...
2022-02-0146 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 5: What is Asset Management?In this episode, I speak with Shane Scriven and try to break down Asset Management(AM). We talk about AM and how it interacts with Systems Engineering and Reliability Engineering. I try to challenge if organizations can work without AM and rely on the discrete application of Systems Engineering, Reliability Best Practices, and LEAN.
If you want to read more about Asset Management and how to get started on the journey with AM, visit: https://gfmam.org/
2022-01-3033 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 4: Work Order Data and its impact on ReliabilityIn this episode, we discuss the importance of collecting good quality information for your work orders, what is considered as good quality information and how that has an impact on the Reliability of the asset. We also discuss how important it is to have a well-established Asset Hierarchy.
To learn more about the use of Fault Codes you can refer to ISO 14224.
If you'd like to learn more, get in touch with Harish (linkedin.com/in/harish-lala-22566942)
2021-12-2227 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 3: Statistics for Reliability EngineersIn this episode, we speak with Luke De Jager about Statistics and how much of it is necessary for Reliability Engineers. Understanding of Statistics remains an important aspect of any Reliability Engineers job. We talk about different distributions, why not use MTBF, and what is required to perform a good data analysis.
If you want to get in touch with Luke, you can contact him via LinkedIn(linkedin.com/in/luke-de-jager-2461b473)
2021-12-2030 minReliability - It Matters!Episode 2: Good to Great Lubrication PracticesIn this episode, I speak with Shane about Lubrication and some best practices that an organization can implement. We also discuss the relationship between Lubrication Management and Asset management standards as a way to maximize benefits and what we can do to increase the competency of our workforce.
To check out more on ISO550001 standard: https://www.amcouncil.com.au/knowledge/what-is-asset-management.html
If you have any questions on Lubrication or want to have a chat on Reliability get in touch with Shane here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-scriven/?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3A...
2021-12-0526 minReliability - It Matters!Introduction to Reliability - It Matters!In this episode I talk about why I wanted to start this podcast and how I intend to help others learn about Reliability and de-mystify the common misconceptions.
2021-10-3003 min