Reliability is more difficult because it is a predictive discipline and requires extensive statistical testing and analysis. However, the claims of the functionality that Reliability activities substantiate must also prescribe tangible requirements that are measurable or assessable, but 100% agreeable so that we can also design and test to them with minimal ambiguity.

In summary, this is where Quality and Reliability meet Product Development:



Reduce everything relating to the product and associated processes to unambiguous, determinable specifications and unambiguous or statistically determinable goals that are measurable or assessable and… agreeable.



For other articles on Product Development see http://www.techmankanata.com/author/Richard-Dick-Haney



Acknowledgements:

Bill Evans (Techmankanata) for his always down-to-earth input.

Ninh Lee (Quality Engineer, Tesla Motors) and Swaminathan Sankaran, PhD (Reliability expert) for their respective Quality and Reliability reviews that insured I did not misrepresent these very important disciplines.



The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only and do not represent the views of the Techman/Kanata or of any of its directors, officers or employees. The author, Mr. Richard (Dick) Haney, can be reached at RichardMHaney@cs.com