FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Brand X?

 

There are other Weibull programs on the market... Why should I use your software?

 

This question is asked often. There are so many reasons that it is difficult to respond with a quick answer and so we decided to put the most important answers here. Obviously, Dr. Bob Abernethy and Wes Fulton believe that WinSMITHTM Weibull and the entire SuperSMITHTM package by Fulton Findings TM is the best software. And maybe you will too when you learn:

 

    1. We are FIRST in Weibull workshops to teach novice and advanced users.
    2. We are FIRST in developing and marketing popular Weibull PC software.
    3. We are FIRST in providing EASY uncluttered software for statistics.
    4. We are FIRST in the use of engineering experience over pure statistics.
    5. We DO NOT PROMOTE unsubstantiated or useless textbook formulas.
    6. We are FIRST in advocating regression over likelihood for small samples.
    7. We are FIRST in standardizing to x-value axis for regression error.
    8. We are FIRST in making useful failure forecast (risk analysis) available.
    9. We are FIRST in implementing and popularizing WeiBayes methods.
    10. We are FIRST in implementing and popularizing test substantiation planning.
    11. We are FIRST in simplifying Weibull goodness-of-fit with correlation p-value.
    12. We are FIRST in implementing and popularizing Monte Carlo confidence.
    13. We are FIRST in implementing and popularizing Fisher matrix confidence.
    14. We are FIRST in implementing and popularizing likelihood ratio (lr) confidence.
    15. We are FIRST in using lr contours for design comparison.
    16. We are FIRST in automating the lr test for design comparison.
    17. We are FIRST in making "parameter as a function of engineering variable" analysis available and easy to use
    18. We are FIRST in comprehensive easy-to-use interval likelihood methods.
    19. We are FIRST in automatic conversion of warranty data to Weibull.
    20. We are FIRST in benchmarking with classic case studies from industry.
    21. We are FIRST in focusing on Weibull/Log/Normal related methods only.
    22. We are FIRST in accurate Weibull research and application.
    23. We are FIRST in clear, simple, understandable graphics.
    24. We are FIRST in product warranty and product support.
    25. We are FIRST in keeping prices down to increase availability.
    26. We are FIRST in minimum packaging and reuse of materials.
    27. Most of the techniques described above were developed by Dr. Bob (a few by Wes) with exclusive research and are NOT AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE.
    28. Because of this and more which sets us apart and way ahead of any competition out there, we are FIRST in worldwide use.

NOTE: The term FIRST here means we did it first and are still the best at it by far. No others can make so many substantial claims with respect to Weibull techniques.

 

Data Gathering / Input / File Compatibility

 

How can I enter new data or existing data easily? Can I use data from other sources and from old versions of Fulton Findings software?

 

Data gathering can be accomplished in WinSMITH or with any standard software. WinSMITH has a data entry spreadsheet for fast input of new data. If data has been accumulated in other software, it is easily entered into WinSMITH. You can get data from any standard source and import it into our latest software with a few mouse clicks. You can copy your existing data into the Windows clipboard and then paste it into our software by clicking on the WinSMITH paste bottle icon. For very large data sets (too big for the clipboard) you can first store your data to a file in ASCII format and then click on the WinSMITH open-file icon to import. All WinSMITH files are compatible with all later versions of the software and with all previous versions of the software (upward and downward compatible). Good luck in trying to get that level of compatibility with other software.

 

Look and Feel

 

Why does your software layout look different from the old standard Windows layout?

 

WinSMITH (TM) software is the world standard and has a look and feel all of its own. We design our software to be different from the start so that it is easier to use for all of our customers around the world. WinSMITH provides graphical cues and icons (international symbols) where possible and expert system programming to make communication easier. Verbal explanations are provided on the main screens in a non-moving text box for immediate identification. Because of this, the program can be translated easily into other languages. Years later, we see our screen layout ideas are gaining favor with the big guys. Look at how many icons are showing up on the main pages of new software starting in 1997. Not a penny of royalty has been sent to us yet. We will continue to make the easiest and most friendly software with the simplest user interface, even if it's ahead of its time.

 

Correlation Coefficient Display

 

Where is the correlation coefficient?

 

The correlation coefficient (r) is used as a goodness-of-fit indication for regression (least squares) fitting. When regression techniques are used for fitting, the square of the r is displayed usually on the results plot as r^2 (unless you decide to hide the parameter display) and in the report. The distribution analysis also displays the r^2 in comparison with the critical value (ccc^2). When maximum likelihood methods are used for solution, there is no correlation coefficient generated and no corresponding r^2 display in the output. If you want to see the correlation coefficient displayed, simply select method/input format and choose regression.

 

Program Size

 

How advanced can your software be if it loads in only a few seconds?

 

WinSMITH (TM) is the most advanced software available. Our programming techniques have been the focus of much attention constantly making our competition shake their heads. What they don't know can't hurt us. Yes, we have an incredibly small program size and the most powerful data analysis techniques with the easiest user interface. This is why we are the leaders in Weibull software and have been for over 10 years. Many Weibull techniques developed in the last 30 years were pioneered by our own Dr. Abernethy, including WeiBayes, test substantiation and failure forecasting. The Weibull team of Wes Fulton and Dr. Abernethy continue to develop new techniques, like design comparison, and continue to make the latest research accessible through compact, friendly and powerful software.

 

Presentation Quality Graphics

 

How can I get presentation quality plots for my output?

 

You can get Hewlitt-Packard Graphics Language (HPGL) output from WinSMITH by selecting the Hardcopy/Softcopy icon (showing printer/disk/clipboard) and then hardcopy/firmcopy. Either 1) select laser printer output to directly print to a Laserjet III or higher compatible printer or 2) you can generate an HPGL-only file. The HPGL file can be imported into older versions of Word and Powerpoint for good looking customizable graphics. If you have already "upgraded" to the 97 versions of Word and Powerpoint you may be required to get ImageStream software to retain this capability. Apparently the programmers have abandoned the HPGL graphics filter for the 97 versions based upon technical information received. The following correspondence from Paul Barringer, Barringer and Associates, describes what ImageStream can do:

 

"Just installed my INSO filters for ImageStream 97 to import *.HGL files from (WinSMITH Weibull) into Office 97 products such as Powerpoint and Word. Works slicker than (a tube of lube at a friction convention)!! The import is much faster than with Word 7.0 and Powerpoint 7.0 (before 97 version)! Inso sells their products thru distributors. I bought mine from SciTech International in Chicago (phone: 773-486-9191 and FAX: 773-486-9234) for $69.95 plus $9.95 for UPS delivery. Total cost is $79.90. The CD allows installation to Windows 3.1 or Windows95/NT. It also permits a custom installation of just a few filters which I will use on my notebook computer. -- Regards, Paul Barringer, Voice: 281-852-6810, FAX: 281-852-3749, Email: hpaul@barringer1.com, and Web Site: http://www.barringer1.com

  

Cost

 

Why are your software prices low compared to other expert system software?

 

When we decided to write the software that would become world standard, we also decided to make sure that all businesses could afford it. Our goal is to provide the highest quality software to the most people. We have set our prices accordingly and will continue to pace the market and keep prices down. It is a source of gratification to us that our software is the most popular and most frequently used.

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