Design for reliability: a management concern

Many vehicles are now fully dependant on electronic systems for their everyday operation. The failure of such equipment to meet an acceptable level of reliability in relation to a quantitative contractual value, such as implied by a warranty, or a subjective value perceived by the consumer has important cost implications for the producer. The need of producers to achieve acceptable levels of reliability in their products is clear. The author outlines a methodology where by the risk of producing an unreliable product can be minimised. The author examines what is meant by the term `reliability´ and reviews the record of vehicle manufacturers to date. From this start point a methodology is developed which can be applied, along with other engineering management and design activities, during a typical design and development programme