Meaning: This quote by Norman Augustine succinctly captures a fundamental truth about the cost of unreliability in engineering and manufacturing. Norman Augustine is a well-known aerospace businessman and the former CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Throughout his career, Augustine has been an advocate for improving the quality and reliability of products, especially in the aerospace industry.

At its core, the quote highlights the paradoxical nature of achieving high levels of unreliability in a product or system. While it may seem counterintuitive, the pursuit of unreliability often leads to significantly increased costs. This concept is crucial in various engineering and manufacturing domains, where reliability is a critical factor in the design, production, and maintenance of products.

When considering the cost implications of unreliability, it's essential to understand how factors of degradation contribute to exponential cost increases. In many cases, achieving higher levels of unreliability requires extensive testing, quality control measures, and redundancies to mitigate potential failures. Each additional factor of degradation adds complexity and cost to the design and manufacturing processes, leading to a compounding effect on overall expenses.

For example, in the aerospace industry, where safety and reliability are paramount, the cost of achieving high levels of unreliability can be staggering. Every component and system must undergo rigorous testing, analysis, and verification to ensure its performance under various operating conditions. As the tolerance for unreliability decreases, the investment in redundant systems, advanced materials, and enhanced testing procedures increases exponentially.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the importance of prioritizing reliability in the initial design and development phases of a product. By investing in robust design principles and high-quality components, manufacturers can mitigate the potential for unreliability and its associated costs. This proactive approach aligns with the concept of "design for reliability," which emphasizes the integration of reliability considerations throughout the product lifecycle.

In the context of manufacturing, the pursuit of high unreliability can lead to significant rework, warranty claims, and customer dissatisfaction. The costs associated with addressing field failures and product recalls can far exceed the initial investment in ensuring reliability during the design and production stages. As a result, organizations are increasingly recognizing the long-term financial benefits of prioritizing reliability from the outset.

Norman Augustine's quote serves as a reminder of the economic implications of unreliability and the value of investing in robust, dependable products and systems. By acknowledging the exponential cost increase associated with achieving high levels of unreliability, engineers and manufacturers can make informed decisions about resource allocation, risk management, and the overall quality of their offerings.

In conclusion, Norman Augustine's quote encapsulates the inherent trade-offs between unreliability and cost in engineering and manufacturing. It underscores the need for a strategic approach to reliability, emphasizing that the pursuit of high unreliability comes with a steep price tag. By recognizing this reality, organizations can prioritize reliability as a strategic differentiator and a driver of long-term economic value.