Everybody is prone to human error, but the engineering field is less forgiving than most others.

This is because, in engineering, simple mistakes can put other people’s safety and wellbeing at risk. This is precisely what happened in 2014, when an engineer approved a change to the ignition switches in cars, which could inadvertently shut down the power of brakes, power steering, and airbags in the vehicle.

Additionally, recalls and repairs can be extremely taxing in terms of both time and money. Therefore, with both considerations in mind, everything the engineer does needs to be right first time, every time.

Read on for a few tips on how to reduce the risk of producing faulty components.  

Feedback and Listening

People can be stubborn, especially when it comes to pride in their reputation and work.

No one likes to be criticized, and that much is fair. However, when it comes to the safety of others, ego’s must be set aside for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, this isn’t always recognized by everyone, especially when it comes to the engineering sector. 

Last year, a former Boeing manager warned the company of manufacturing problems prior to the devastating 737 crashes. He claimed that a rushed production led to a factory in chaos, where workers were exhausted and thus prone to mistakes. He called for production to temporarily shut down, but his concerns were tragically unaddressed.

In such a detail-orientated environment, it could be one worker picks up on something that another failed to identify. Every comment is an opportunity to learn something, and the concerns of all should be heard in full. Even if it’s a false alarm, it’s best to waste a few moments than to waste lives.

Learning and Training

Of course, better listeners make more adept learners, too.

Every project takes time and there are no shortcuts, so the measured approach is always best. For example, to maximize processes, engineers would do well to undertake gdt training. Agi teach engineers current and to-be how to meet tolerances and to understand product specifications. From producing aerospace equipment to medical device manufacturing, a higher standard of production quality will be reached through Agi’s diverse combination of on-site and online training. It’s a thorough yet convenient form of learning, perfect for the complexities of manufacturing.

Much of engineering is absorbing information, as specificity is key in everything they do. Each product presents a distinctly unique challenge, with different tolerance symbols and demands to consider. However, with the right know-how, each worker will be highly skilled to ensure that faulty components, among other bouts of bad luck, never become a reality.

Materials and Suppliers

An engineer can be skilled beyond all comprehension, but if they’re dealing with low-quality goods, then no amount of expertise will help them fashion something great.

Components are only as good as the materials they were assembled with. Therefore, it’s important that all engineers strike up strong B2B relationships with only the most reputable suppliers for the finest materials. Products will have a polished finish, and the creation will be more robust and effective in what it was designed to perform.

There’s something to be said for quality tools and equipment, too! From PPE to jumper cables and computer software, there’s a great deal to account for that helps engineers secure a good finish to their work. When they’re equipped with all the state-of-the-art offerings, quality in their work is assured.