Frequently Asked Questions
Latest Release
8.0.9 ♦ 8-Feb-2013
How can I determine if Xfmea is the right tool for me?
We invite you to try this product and compare it with any other comparable package on the market. A free demo installation is available for download from our website at http://www.ReliaSoft.com/downloads.htm (use the 32-bit or 64-bit Synthesis Platform installation, which allows you to install any or all of the Version 8 software tools).
What are the minimum system requirements?
The supported operating systems are Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit, SP 3 or higher), Vista (SP 1 or higher), 7 and 8, or Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2, 2008 or 2008 R2.
If you choose to use an enterprise data repository, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle are supported (including the "Express" editions of both). Click here for hardware requirements and other details...
What languages are supported?
The interface is currently available in English, German, French, Portuguese Spanish and Simplified Chinese. For details and to see if support for additional languages has been added in our most recent release, see http://www.ReliaSoft.com/languages/.
What is the difference between the 32-bit and 64-bit installations?
All Version 8 (Synthesis) applications are available both in 32-bit and 64-bit versions with multi-processor and multi-threading support. On 32-bit systems, the size and complexity of models could reach the machine's usable memory limits regardless of your hardware. Whereas, our 64-bit multi-processor and multi-threaded versions are limited only by your hardware. The 64-bit version is designed for PCs running Windows 7 64-bit and Microsoft Office 64-bit. If unsure as to which version will work for you, you can download our compatibility test application for assistance.
Do I need to buy anything extra to use the Synthesis Platform?
If you have one or more of the Version 8 ReliaSoft applications, there is nothing extra to buy or install. The platform is automatically installed with any Synthesis-powered application.
Do I have to buy a different version for single-user vs. enterprise
deployments?
No. All Synthesis Elements were designed to be “connection aware” and adapt automatically to single-user, multi-user and enterprise configurations based on what type of repository the application is currently connected to. There's only one version of each application to buy and install, then you can decide how you want to use it.
You can even enjoy the best of both worlds — take advantage of the simplicity of a single-user application when you're working independently on a particular analysis, but share data and analysis results with colleagues when you connect with a multi-user or enterprise repository... all using the same software tool! [Learn more...]
Do I need to purchase database server?
Not unless you choose to use the platform in an enterprise mode. An enterprise data repository requires implementation of Microsoft SQL Server® or Oracle® (and for smaller groups or power users, you can also use the free "Express" editions of those database platforms). A standard repository (*.rsrp, Version 8 relational database file format) requires no special IT infrastructure or support. [Tip: If you're considering the option to use the free "Express" edition of Microsoft SQL Server, this document provides some information that may help you to get started.]
Are there examples of how to best take advantage of the Synthesis Platform?
Absolutely. You can download helpful examples that exhibit the power of Synthesis and its ability to integrate multiple applications at http://Synthesis.ReliaSoft.com/examples. Additional guidance for the individual Synthesis Elements is available in numerous forms, which includes complete and detailed user documentation, a quick start guide with step-by-step examples, a theoretical eTextbook (when applicable), video tutorials at http://www.ReliaSoft.tv and a multitude of example files designed to get you up and running the minute the applications are installed.
What
support options are available to me?
Having the best and most advanced solution on the market is only part of the package; our unparalleled FREE after-sale support completes it. All of our applications come with our good old-fashioned "pick up the phone and talk to a real engineer at ReliaSoft" support. No seemingly endless phone menus and incessant elevator music on hold. Our growing network of regional offices is waiting to answer your questions personally via phone, e-mail or live chat. For details (including limitations and exclusions), visit http://Support.ReliaSoft.com.
Does ReliaSoft offer training courses to continue my reliability education?
ReliaSoft offers a wide spectrum of courses all across the world. Our acclaimed training courses provide instruction in reliability engineering principles and theory as well as the ReliaSoft software designed to put that theory into practice. Seminars on all of ReliaSoft's products are available in both public and on-site venues. To review full course outlines, details on how our courses can benefit you and the words of hundreds of satisfied participants, visit http://Seminars.ReliaSoft.com.
I'll be using multiple applications. Is bundled pricing available?
All of the Version 8 Synthesis applications are available in process-specific suites. These suites are competitively priced to offer significant savings over purchasing the same products individually.
The robust DFR Essentials Suite is intended primarily for users focused on product design and development. The suite contains Weibull++ 8, ALTA 8 Standard, Xfmea 8 and BlockSim 8 Single-Thread.
The powerful RAM Essentials Suite is intended primarily for users focused on equipment operation and maintenance. The suite contains Weibull++ 8, BlockSim 8 Single-Thread and RCM++ 8.
For details, please visit http://www.ReliaSoft.com/order/suites.htm.
How
can I order, and when will the software arrive?
To order Single User Licenses, use our secure web store, print-ready order
form or contact the ReliaSoft office nearest you. If you are interested in
pricing for any other licensing option, including Network or Unlimited User
licensing, please contact ReliaSoft to receive a quotation. Generally, orders
received by your local office before
2 p.m. are processed the same day.
Otherwise, orders are processed the next business day.
Both eDelivery and Box Delivery are available -- you have the option to download the materials from the website or to have a disk and printed books shipped to you via an express courier (2nd Day or International service). If requested, and depending on your location, domestic orders can be shipped with Overnight service for delivery by the next business day.
For details, please visit http://www.ReliaSoft.com/order/.
What other reliability software is available from ReliaSoft?
ReliaSoft's reliability analysis software products have become the industry standard for complete reliability analysis and are used worldwide by most manufacturers with an active quality/reliability engineering program.
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Weibull++ for reliability life data analysis (Weibull analysis) -
ALTA for quantitative accelerated life testing (QALT) data analysis
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DOE++ for design of experiments (DOE) -
RGA for reliability growth and repairable system data analysis -
BlockSim for system reliability, maintainability, availability and related
analysis, using RBDs or fault trees -
RENO for visual stochastic event simulation -
Xfmea for failure modes, effects and criticality analysis (FMEA/FMECA)
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RCM++ for reliability centered maintenance (RCM) analysis -
MPC 3 for MSG-3 aircraft systems and powerplant analysis and reporting -
Lambda Predict for standards based reliability prediction analysis -
XFRACAS for failure reporting, analysis and corrective action system (FRACA/FRACAS)
activities -
Orion eAPI an enterprise system focused on asset performance management
