Re: [MV] Engine Year

Steven P. Allen (spallen@rolemail.ccis.edu)
Fri, 12 Feb 1999 09:12:35 -0600

I'd like to toss out something I've learned about manufacturing (I have no
knowledge specific to GPW engines, but the problem is a common one for
anyone attempting to define manufacturing change-over dates on any assembly
line).

If there is a change-over in a specific part on a specific application, that
change-over does not necessarily happen at one specific time. Some problems
that can impact on the process:

1) a defect in the new part/assembly which forces a return to the old stock
until the bug is worked out.

2) a discovery that more of the old parts are available than was previously
thought enabling the manufacturer to cut production costs by using
already-paid-for parts ("Hey Joe! Use up those old parts first!")

3) a supply problem with the new part requiring the use of left-over
invetory to keep production going.

4) frantic effort to complete a production run may have two parts bins--one
with the new, one with the old--being used at the same time.

5) failure of an individual new part causing a last-minute substitution on
that particular unit.

6) an assembly screw-up involving superceded parts incorrectly working
their way back into the production flow.

My point is that, unless there are productions records which list what parts
went into EACH INDIVIDUAL unit, assuming that a change-over was accomplished
cleanly and at one specific point in the manufacturing run MAY be assuming
too much.

My 2 mils,

Steve Allen

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