Why Asset Reliability is Everyone's Business?

Reliability managers frequently encounter situations where individuals either openly state that reliability is “someone else’s job" 🙄 or, without saying a word, behave in ways that show complete disregard for how their work decisions affect asset reliability, often focusing solely on short-term project timelines or cost savings. In fact, asset reliability is not exclusively the responsibility of the reliability manager; it is a shared accountability across the entire organization. While the reliability manager provides expertise, strategies, and tools to improve performance, the actual reliability of assets depends on the collective actions of operations, maintenance, engineering, supply chain, and leadership. For example, operators play a critical role in running equipment within the designed operating window. At the same time, maintenance teams ensure timely and high-quality repairs, and the supply chain ensures the availability of reliable spare parts. Leadership must also foster a culture that prioritizes reliability by promoting best practices and allocating resources effectively. Without this cross-functional collaboration, even the best reliability program will fail to achieve its goals. In this article, I will highlight why asset reliability is essential to every stakeholder.

Project Manager ... the person who believes that nine women can produce a child in one month

Asset reliability is a project manager’s best friend. Why? Reliable assets keep the project train on track, prevent unexpected derailments, and help tasks stay on schedule. They save money by avoiding unnecessary emergency repairs, boost safety by preventing accidents, and maintain quality by performing consistently, basically doing their job without drama. Additionally, they make risk management less of a nail-biting exercise, optimize resource utilization, and earn stakeholder trust. In short, reliable assets are the unacknowledged heroes that help projects finish on time, within budget, and looking good doing it.

Purchasing Manager ... the person who expects it to take 18 months for a child to arrive

Asset reliability is a purchasing manager’s secret weapon. When the stuff you buy actually performs as promised, operations run smoothly, and you’re not chasing defects or emergency replacements like it’s a full-time job. Reliable assets help control costs by reducing returns and unexpected repairs, keep suppliers on their toes, and make inventory management feel a lot less like a juggling act. They also boost safety and compliance, improve operational efficiency, and earn the trust of both internal stakeholders and suppliers. In short, reliable assets make procurement look easy even when it’s anything but.

Operations Manager ... the person who believes that one woman can produce nine children each month if she works hard

Asset reliability is an operations manager’s best friend. When equipment, machinery, and systems behave as expected, downtime is minimized and workflows stay smooth, with no frantic “why isn’t this working?!” moments. Reliable assets help keep operational costs in check by reducing emergency repairs and inefficiencies, supporting safety and compliance, and making resource use seem more efficient. They also enhance product or service quality, increase productivity, and foster stakeholder confidence. In short, reliable assets help the operations team achieve organizational goals efficiently and without unnecessary headaches.

Marketing Manager ... The person who can convince you that having a child is possible even without a man or woman

For a marketing manager, asset reliability is crucial because it ensures that the products being promoted and sold consistently meet quality and performance standards. Reliable assets minimize defects, delays, or interruptions in manufacturing, which directly impacts the company’s ability to deliver on promises to customers. This consistency allows marketing campaigns to proceed with confidence, enhances brand reputation, and strengthens customer trust. Moreover, predictable production supports accurate planning for promotions, launches, and supply commitments, enabling the marketing team to coordinate effectively with sales, distribution, and customer service.

Finance Manager ... the person who believes that producing children doesn't require any human or financial resources

For a finance manager, asset reliability is essential because it ensures that manufacturing processes run smoothly and predictably, which directly affects cost control, budgeting, and financial forecasting. Reliable assets minimize unexpected downtime, repairs, and production inefficiencies, reducing unplanned expenses and financial risk. This consistency enables accurate tracking of production costs, better allocation of resources, and more precise financial reporting. Additionally, reliable assets support regulatory compliance and stakeholder confidence, allowing the finance manager to make informed decisions, maintain financial stability, and contribute to the company’s overall profitability and strategic objectives.

Research and Development Manager ... the person who can provide you with a child at a reasonable cost, if you agree that ears, hair, and fingers are optional extras

For an R&D manager, asset reliability is crucial because it ensures that prototypes, experimental setups, and production-scale trials operate consistently, allowing research projects and product development initiatives to proceed without interruption. Reliable assets reduce the risk of errors, equipment downtime, or inconsistencies in test results, which is critical for accurate data collection and innovation. This consistency enables the R&D team to plan experiments effectively, optimize resource use, and accelerate product development cycles. Ultimately, reliable production assets support high-quality research outcomes, enhance team efficiency, and help bring innovative products to market successfully.

Planning Manager ... the person who doesn't care at all about the child's arrival, but will talk to you a lot about the nine months

For a planning manager, production asset reliability is crucial because it ensures that manufacturing processes operate consistently, enabling accurate scheduling, forecasting, and coordination throughout the organization. Reliable assets minimize unexpected downtime, delays, or resource bottlenecks, which helps maintain smooth workflow and prevents disruptions in production plans. This consistency enables better allocation of materials, time, and workforce, improves operational efficiency, and supports on-time delivery of products. Ultimately, dependable production assets enable the planning manager to create realistic and practical plans that align with organizational goals and meet customer expectations.

Quality Manager ... The person who will never be satisfied with the child

Asset reliability is a quality manager’s secret weapon. When equipment, tools, and systems perform consistently to the required standards, monitoring and controlling product or service quality becomes much easier. Reliable assets help reduce defects, rework, and operational hiccups, ensure compliance with regulations and standards, and make the best use of resources. They also enhance efficiency, maintain stakeholder confidence, and enable the organization to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes that meet or even exceed customer expectations.

Legal Affairs Manager ... the person who gives you strong justifications for not handing the child over to its parents

For a Legal Affairs Manager, asset reliability is important because consistent and predictable operations reduce the risk of contractual breaches, regulatory non-compliance, or liability issues arising from production disruptions. Reliable assets help ensure that the company meets legal obligations related to safety, quality, and delivery commitments, minimizing the potential for disputes, fines, or litigation. This stability allows the legal team to focus on strategic oversight rather than crisis management, maintain stakeholder confidence, and support smooth operations across the organization, ultimately protecting the company’s reputation and legal standing.

Human Resources Manager ... the person who believes a female donkey can give birth to a human child if we give her nine months

For a Human Resources manager, asset reliability is crucial because consistent operations help ensure a stable and predictable work environment, thereby reducing stress, overtime, and workflow disruptions that directly impact employees. Reliable assets support accurate staffing, scheduling, and workforce planning by minimizing unexpected downtime or production bottlenecks. This consistency enhances employee satisfaction, productivity, and engagement while helping HR maintain compliance with labor laws and company policies. Ultimately, dependable production assets allow HR to focus on talent development and organizational culture, supporting the company’s overall performance and strategic goals.

The customer ... the person who doesn't know why they need a child

Asset reliability is a customer’s best friend. When products or services perform consistently, safely, and as expected, customers avoid unpleasant surprises, such as defects, delays, or interruptions. Reliable assets enhance satisfaction and trust, create a smooth and positive experience, showcase the company’s commitment to quality, and build confidence that the organization can meet its needs reliably every single time.

The boss ... the person who believes they are the only one with the ability to reproduce

Asset reliability is a boss’s secret weapon. When the organization’s resources, systems, and processes work consistently and efficiently, operations run smoothly and goals stay on track. Reliable assets help minimize disruptions, control costs, and reduce risks, making decision-making and oversight much easier. They also boost team performance, maintain stakeholder confidence, and showcase organizational stability and competence, allowing the boss to lead with confidence and hit strategic objectives without unnecessary drama..

Conclusion

In conclusion, asset reliability isn’t just a technical checkbox or someone’s sole responsibility; it’s a team mission that touches every corner of the organization. From project managers to HR, engineers to executives, every decision and action can either strengthen or weaken asset reliability. When everyone understands their impact and works with reliability in mind, the organization not only avoids costly disruptions but also boosts efficiency, safety, and stakeholder confidence. True asset reliability isn’t just about following rules; it’s about creating a culture where everyone owns a piece of the outcome. And yes, that includes recognizing that short-term shortcuts usually lead to long-term headaches. So let’s stop pretending it’s “someone else’s job” and treat reliability for what it really is: a team sport.

About the Author:

Ahmed Noaman Karar is a Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) since 2009, and also holds credentials as a CMRP (SMRP), Certified PROACT® RCA Trainer (Reliability Center Inc.), Six Sigma Black Belt and Master Black Belt, and CMQ/OE (ASQ). He is a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK).

Academically, he holds a PhD in Operations & Systems Management (University of Portsmouth), a Master’s in Reliability Engineering & Asset Management (University of Manchester), another Master’s in Quality Management (AASTMT), and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering (University of Alexandria).

Ahmed has led reliability engineering initiatives across industries including manufacturing, oil & gas, renewables, power generation, and desalination. His expertise spans the entire asset lifecycle—from design to disposal—and he brings a strong foundation in design for reliability, RAM analysis, and reliability testing.

With global experience in over 25 countries, he has delivered results for clients such as ARAMCO, BP, SABIC, ENEL, Gazprom Neft, and Bayer, applying advanced tools tailored to business needs and cultural contexts.