ABSTRACT
The most meaningful way to determine the degree of reliablity within each device is to monitor its activity in the field. Analysis of field data is the means of determining how a product is performing in actual use. It is a source of information on the effectiveness of the shipping configuration. It is also a source for information for product enhancements or new designs. Percentages of total problems are helpful in determining primary failures. Spread sheets are developed listing the problems versus manufacturing dates and the problems versus time since manufacturing. The cause of the problem must be determined and the most appropriate solution implemented. Warranty analysis is an indication of the reliability of a device in its early life, usually the first year. Warranty analysis is a valuable source of information on such parameters as warranty cost as a percentage of sales, warranty cost per unit, installation cost per unit and percentage of shipped units experiencing problems.
