Diagnostic Inaccuracies: Approaches to Mitigate

Abstract

Inaccurate diagnostics cause wasted man-hours, increased inventory and general levels of frustration about maintenance. Often it seems that the more costly equipment is the most flagrant offender. After we have fixed the blame and fixed the problem for technician error, bad testability, and improper documentation, there will still be a residual level of inaccuracy based upon the outcome-based testing that we currently do. This chapter will explicitly show the limitations imposed by measurement theory and provide useful solutions for attempting to limit the inaccuracies from measurement inaccuracies and outcome representations. While laboratory scientists have been aware and apply these techniques, test engineers developing test for field maintenance seldom consider these factors. These inaccuracies lead to occurrences of false alarm, false assurance and field cannot duplicate events and Re-Test OK. Understanding the base causes and how to approach resolution will assist in the development of diagnostic and repair strategies.