Where can problems related to reliability originate from?

The essence of reliability in engineering and asset management is that it can be influenced by a variety of factors throughout the lifecycle of a product or system. Reliability problems can originate from multiple stages including design, procurement, and operations.

Design plays a critical role because the initial concept and engineering choices can determine how well the asset will perform under various conditions. If a design does not adequately consider factors such as load requirements, environmental conditions, or user interaction, the likelihood of failures can increase.

Procurement involves the selection of materials and components, which can also significantly impact reliability. If components are of lower quality or not suitable for their intended application, they may fail prematurely, affecting the entire system's reliability.

Operations refer to the day-to-day use of assets. Even with the best design and procurement processes, how an asset is operated, including factors like maintenance practices, operator training, and user error, can contribute to reliability issues.

This multi-faceted approach emphasizes that reliability is not isolated to a single process or decision. Rather, it is a holistic consideration that spans through various stages of an asset's lifecycle.