88: Product Specification Issue

Definition/Typical Issues

Was there a failure to include all performance requirements in product specification requirements?

Were some customer requirements not addressed in the product specifications? Were inappropriate or out-of-date codes and standards used in the product specifications?

Examples

Example 1

• Recent changes to an American Society of Mechanical Engineers bolting standard were not addressed in the product specification for a new piece of workout equipment that your organization was going to manufacture. As a result, the product had to be recalled when a few failures occurred while the equipment was in use.

Example 2

• The customer (ABC Inc.) wanted a training program customized to address its specific methods for work request processing. However, the company (Great Trainers Inc.) delivered a generic course instead. As a result, ABC Inc. refused to pay Great Trainers Inc. for the training.

Typical Recommendations

• Track product performance requirements to ensure that they are addressed in the final product, its packaging, and delivery to the customer.
• Assign to personnel the responsibility for monitoring changes in industry standards.
• Develop a system for incorporating changes in industry standards into product design.
• Assign customer service personnel to solicit customer requirements.