Assessment of reliability implementation in manufacturing enterprises

Purpose: The increasing internationalization of markets make the creation of competitive advantages more difficult. Companies have to be faster, better and more economical than their competitors in order to survive. Reliable products offer the capability to develop competitive advantages. To achieve the reliability objectives, a systematic approach of reliability actions and supporting methods is necessary. The integration of reliability activities into companies with regard to company size and industry has not been quantitatively determined. Methodology: An international survey drawing upon literature was applied. Evaluations are based on descriptive and inductive statistics. Results: The empirical study reveals reasons for applying reliability management in industry, the extent of applied reliability methods and performed reliability actions to achieve reliability objectives and used reliability data. The results are differentiated according to company size and industry. Research implications: The results of this study are applicable to companies which have already dealt with reliability issues. Further studies should consider a cross-section status of reliability implementation in industry, as well as they should contain extended actions and methods of reliability. Value of paper: This research relates to the status of reliability management implementation in international industry. There are shown significant differences in industries and company size. The results show potentials in reliability management and can be used as benchmark.