Is Your Glass Half Empty?

Do engineers really tinker? Are they ever satisfied with their work? A respected colleague and manager of engineering once told me that all engineers can not help but to “tinker” with the designs even after the designs are issued. If your project involves design and or detailed engineering as part of your scope of supply it is imperative that you understand the noble instinct of the engineer or designer to do it the best way possible even when it is a “re-do” and sometimes irrespective of the cost impact. Sometimes this noble instinct will cause you to build something that is far more costly that what is required by the scope of your contract and your obligation to the various elements of quality and aesthetics. Whose Side are the Purchasing Agents Really on? More often than not a project requires the procurement of material and or engineered equipment beyond the basic product, which might be, sold by the company managing the project. When the project team is required to procure project specific material or equipment, that task is usually assigned to the purchasing department of the company or in some cases the task is subcontracted. This is where problems might arise. Typically these organizations are measured by the extent to which they can buy the items for less that a pre-set target. I have concluded that almost anyone can buy anything at a lower price if they have freedom to buy from anyone or anywhere they choose, with terms of sale more favorable to the seller, with less favorable warranty terms, by not supporting the project schedule, by allowing shipment unassembled, untested or some other “un”. There are some purchasing agents who work with similar products regularly and develop relationships with vendors that are not healthy or even ethical. A regular ball game, dinner with the spouse, bottle of the favorite libation and the like will introduce perceived obligations to the generous vendor or subcontractor. It is more of an issue that you might think.