IEEE 1413: An IEEE standard for reliability predictions

There is no standard for creating a reliability prediction. Therefore, predictions vary greatly in terms of methodological rigor, data quality, extents of analysis, and uncertainty. The documentation of the prediction process employed is often not presented. These inconsistencies can leave the user of the prediction confused, uncertain of the prediction's true value and unable to compare the results of two reliability predictions of the same hardware. IEEE has created a standard that, when followed, results in consistent and complete documentation of a prediction. The prediction users can then understand the strengths and weaknesses of a prediction and compare the value and usefulness of multiple predictions. The standard creates consistency by requiring documentation for specific processes, activities and levels of knowledge.