How Good is MTBF as a Metric?

A bolted hanger along a rock climbing route is often a very welcome site. It provides the climber with safety (by clipping the rope to the bolt); with direction (this is the way); and, with confidence. Does MTBF as a metric do the same for your organization?

As climbers we count on the bolts to provide support in case something goes wrong or we need to rest along the route.

A reliability metric is often used in the same way as a climbing bolt. The measure, whether MTBF or Reliability or Failure Rate, provides a sense of assurance that the product in question is performing as expected.

The organizations profits are or will be safe. The development team uses the measures as a guide for design and supply chain decisions. And, the measure provides confidence to the organization related to meeting customer expectations around reliability. Continue reading true, beneficial and timely →