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Richard M. (Dick) Haney, of the CMT Group, a technology consulting company in Palo Alto, CA., specializes in product engineering, manufacturing and technical management consulting. |
The Stage
How many times have you been told, when purchasing a product, "Our product is of the highest quality" …or… "Our product is very reliable"
1? Is this just hype or is it real? Do you ever check out such claims?
It has been my experience, especially with small firms and start-ups, that when I hear, see or read the phrase…
"WE HAVE A QUALITY AND RELIABLE PRODUCT"
…I remember something a person had written somewhere:
…Everyone will SAY IT.
…Some will DO IT.
…Not too many will PROVE IT.
…And, almost no one will IMPROVE IT.
Most product developers make claims such as that above, especially in their product literature. However, It comes as a surprise to many developers that companies and individuals who buy the product will ask for proof of the claims. After all, if such claims are not really valid and the purchaser suffers - the claims constitute fraud, a nasty legal problem. And you can be sure that savvy purchasers, especially large OEMs and corporations will ask for proof of your claims; if proof isn't available, they may purchase elsewhere.
The Question
How do you provide proof? Well, it is very often said that, "QUALITY IS NOT TESTED INTO A PRODUCT, QUALITY IS DESIGNED INTO A PRODUCT". Is a rigorous design the answer?
"We test the crap outta the product!" Is meticulous testing the answer?
Well, neither is completely correct.
1 See: High Tech Monkey Business, R. Haney
