VII. Data Collection and Use
A. Data Collection

3. Data management (Evaluate)

Describe key characteristics of a database (e.g., accuracy, completeness, update frequency). Specify the requirements for reliability-driven measurement systems and database plans, including consideration of the data collectors and users, and their functional responsibilities.

Now you have data, now what do you do?

Additional References

Using the Maintenance Data You Already Have (article)

Quick Quiz

1-77. In deciding whether to use mainframes or networked PCs for storing quality and reliability data, what is the most important aspect that should be considered by senior management?

(A) the cost benefits of a mainframe system
(B) the cost benefits of a PC-based system
(C) how to provide all key people with useful information
(D) the security of the two systems

1-79. Which of the following cannot be classified as a computer output device?

(A) a flash drive
(B) a cloud-based hard drive
(C) a mouse
(D) a printer

VII. Data Collection and Use
A. Data Collection

2. Collection methods (Evaluate)

Identify appropriate methods and evaluate the results from surveys, automated tests, automated monitoring and reporting tools, etc., that are used to meet various data analysis objectives.

Collecting data is a process worth thinking though and getting right.

Additional References

Nevada Charts to Gather Data (article)

Quick Quiz

1-67. To evaluate product usage and reliability, which form of reliability data would provide the most valuable information?

(A) results from independent labs
(B) in-house test results
(C) field support data
(D) quality control data

1-71. What is the most valid source of failure rate data?

(A) environmental test data
(B) test data obtained under controlled conditions
(C) manufacturing process data
(D) operational data

1-73. Which of the following is not a basic source of reliability data?

(A) in-plant testing
(B) engineering specifications
(C) field testing
(D) user operation

1-76. The rate of complaints for a consumer product is directly a good measure of which of the following?

(A) customer bias
(B) customer satisfaction
(C) product quality
(D) product rejection rate

1-150. Identify the statement(s) that is(are) true of initial computer collection and reporting of data

I.   Computer collection is more accurate than manual collection and reporting.
II.  Computer collection can reduce the expenses of data collection and reporting.
III. Computer collection is faster than manual collection and reporting.

(A) I only
(B) I and III only
(C) II and III only
(D) I, II, and III

VII. Data Collection and Use
A. Data Collection

1. Types of Data (Evaluate)

Identify and distinguish between various types of data (e.g., attributes vs. variable, discrete vs. continuous, censored vs. complete, univariate vs. multivariate). Select appropriate data types to meet various analysis objectives.

With some data we do not have all the information — that is ok, we can deal.

Additional References

Censored Data and CDF Plotting Points (article)

Quick Quiz

1-63. Sixty units are each tested for 80 hours. During the test several units fail, at which point they are removed from further testing. Identify which types of censoring have occurred.

I.   single censoring

II.  right censoring

III. time censoring

IV. type I censoring.

(A) I and II only
(B) II and III only
(C) II, III, and IV only
(D) I, II, III, and IV

VII. Data Collection and Use
A. Data Collection

1. Types of Data (Evaluate)

Identify and distinguish between various types of data (e.g., attributes vs. variable, discrete vs. continuous, censored vs. complete, univariate vs. multivariate). Select appropriate data types to meet various analysis objectives.

It all starts with data — go get some.

Additional References

Types of Failure Data (article)

Field Industry and Public Failure Data (article)

Sources of Reliability Data (article)

Quick Quiz

VI. Maintainability and Availability
B. Maintenance and testing analysis

5. Spare parts analysis (Analyze)

Describe the relationship between spare parts requirements and reliability, maintainability, and availability requirements. Forecast spare parts requirements using field data, production lead time data, inventory and other prediction tools, etc.

Stocking spares is expensive. Let’s do it efficiently.

Additional References

Quick Quiz

VI. Maintainability and Availability
B. Maintenance and testing analysis

4. Testability (Apply)

Use various testability requirements and methods (e.g., built in tests (BITs), false-alarm rates, diagnostics, error codes, fault tolerance) to achieve reliability goals.

Many systems will include ways to let us know what is wrong with them.

Additional References

Quick Quiz

VI. Maintainability and Availability
B. Maintenance and testing analysis

3. Non-destructive evaluation (Understand)

Describe the types and uses of these tools (e.g., fatigue, delamination, vibration signature analysis) to look for potential defects.

It’s amazing what you can learn by looking carefully.

Additional References

8 Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques (article)

4 Electronics Nondestructive Evaluations (article)

Quick Quiz

VI. Maintainability and Availability
B. Maintenance and testing analysis

2. Corrective maintenance analysis (Apply)

Describe the elements of corrective maintenance analysis (e.g., fault-isolation time, repair/replace time, skill level, crew hours) and apply them in specific situations.

Dealing efficiently with downtime or system failures saves time and money and done well may even improve your operation.

Additional References

Corrective Action question (article)

Do Your KPIs Adversely Impact Reliability? (article)

Fault Isolation (article)

Quick Quiz

1-108. Identify the first step in conducting a maintainability study for a piece of existing equipment.

(A) Analyze the root causes of the downtime.
(B) Identify the problems causing the majority of downtime.
(C) Calculate the equipment availability.
(D) Implement a failure reporting and corrective action system process.

VI. Maintainability and Availability
B. Maintenance and testing analysis

1. Preventive maintenance (PM) analysis (Apply)

Define and use PM tasks, optimum PM intervals, and other elements of this analysis, and identify situations in which PM analysis is not appropriate.

Preventing downtime or system failures is useful and often can be improved saving time and money.

Additional References

Data to Collect to Optimize Maintenance (article)

Preventive Maintenance or PM Goals and Activities (article)

Quick Quiz

1-112. Consider the planned cost of preventive maintenance (CPM) and the cost of corrective maintenance (CCM) for a critical complex system. What should be the ideal relationship between CPM and CCM?

(A) CCM > CPM
(B) CCM >> CPM
(C) CPM > CCM
(D) CPM >> CCM

1-120. Which of the following would be considered a best practice for sustaining high system reliability in the field?

(A) Fully analyze all failures.
(B) Compile detailed reports on all major failure modes.
(C) Optimize the maintenance team scheduling and spare stocking systems.
(D) Follow a preventive maintenance program with scheduled diagnostic checks.

1-121. Identify which of the following would be a primer characteristic of a preventive maintenance program.

I.   the replacement of items just before they fail
II.  a planned program of tests, inspections, and replacements
III. the replacement of failed items as they are found in normal service use

(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) I and III only
(D) II and III only