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LOOKING AT THE SPECS

by Gerard Fonte

Start ý Are You Flexible? ý Whoýs the Boss? ý So, What are Your Options? ý What are the Hazards? ý To be or Not to be Specified? ý Unhappy Customers ý Sources and PDF

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are the defining characteristic of most engineering projects. Few other jobs hang by that word. But, how are specifications created? Who creates them? What do you do if you are faced with an impossible specification? What about safety issues? And remember, most engineering lawsuits are for products that fail specifications.

There are two sides to specifications, user and producer. Naturally, when you are a consumer buying a stereo amplifier, you examine the specifications to determine if it fits your needs and desires. Conversely, if you are a manufacturer, you define your product with specifications to give the consumer information about how the amplifier should perform. But, here is the underlying factor in the making of specifications: profit.

Specifications are used to compete against other products in the marketplace. It is good business to specify your product as attractively as possible. Otherwise it wonýt sell as well as it could. Thus, all specifications have an inherent conflict of interest. There is the need to be honest, as well as the need to sell the product.

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