What is Reliability?
Reliability is a broad term that focuses on the ability of a product to perform its intended function. Mathematically speaking, assuming that an item is performing its intended function at time equals zero, reliability can be defined as the probability that an item will continue to perform its intended function without failure for a specified period of time under stated conditions. Please note that the product defined here could be an electronic or mechanical hardware product, a software product, a manufacturing process or even a service. Why is Reliability Important? There are a number of reasons why reliability is an important product attribute, including: • Reputation. A company’s reputation is very closely related to the reliability of its products. The more reliable a product is, the more likely the company is to have a favorable reputation. • Customer Satisfaction. While a reliable product may not dramatically affect customer satisfaction in a positive manner, an unreliable produ
Reliability is the probability that an item will perform a required function under stated conditions for a stated period of time. The probability of survival, R(t), plus the probability of failure, F(t), is always unity. Expressed as a formula: F(t) + R(t) = 1 or, F(t)=1 – R(t). The required function includes both a definition of satisfactory and unsatisfactory operation (failure). The stated conditions are the total physical environment, including mechanical, thermal, and electrical conditions. The stated period of time is the time during which satisfactory operation is desired.
