Introductory Elements: Dependability Issues

Abstract

The growth of the technical and scientific knowledge in our society stimulates the growth of new manufactured products, reducing the costs and delays of design and production, and improving the global quality of our life. Moreover, the consumers who demand more and more services encourage this innovation. The sophistication of automobiles is a good example of this evolution: assisted braking and grip, reduced gas consumption by a better optimization of engine performance, road navigation and choice of optimal routes, etc. What is more, the knowledge and behavior of consumers is becoming increasingly demanding about prices, of course, but equally regarding the quality of services provided by the chosen products. This notion of quality associated with manufacturing goods is progressively becoming more refined and standardized. It is now imposed on all designers and manufacturers as an essential factor in the success of their products. Therefore, the ISO 8402 standard defines quality as: The totality of characteristics of an entity that bear on its ability to satisfy stated and implied needs.