Letters

Regarding the four questions Rick Nelson asked in "Shipped any bad parts lately?" (Editor's Note, February 2004; www.tmworld.com/archives), my answers are: No, No, No, and 0%. It is not ethical to knowingly ship bad parts. As for Question #2, if you know there is a bad part but don't know which one it is, it is still not ethical to ship the lot—even though the bad part would be discovered and covered under warranty.

Changing the topic to not include health and safety is another rationalization method too many employ to allow the means to justify the ends. Bottom line, a warranty does not replace ethics.

MIKE DEVINE , VP OPERATIONS, American Innovations

I am in agreement with your responses, including "it depends". The "it depends" requires totally understanding the customer's requirements and in many cases better than the customer. The customer is normally more concerned with what I based my decision on, what I have done about it or expect to do, and when.

I have had my share of government projects through the years and can relate to your article. The "it depends" has become very easy, Have you taken all the steps necessary to ensure the customer's requirements are met? If there is any doubt, get assistance. If you still are not satisfied that the requirements have been met, contact the customer and agree to the actions necessary. At this point, you have just grown your business into a relationship, and we all know what this results in.

TERRY NEWMAN , Fishers, IN

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