Debate: Should we use factory test procedures or roll our own for routine checks?

I tried following the factory manual to the letter on a King radio bench test last month. Took forever and the results were shaky. Then I just did my own quick setup with a dummy load and a power meter, got cleaner numbers in half the time. But my lead says I'm cutting corners. What do you guys do for stuff like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_angela14d ago

You're cutting corners" - that's the exact line my old boss used to hit me with. Thing is, factory procedures are written by engineers who never have to actually do the work. They're perfect on paper but a nightmare in real life. I've been doing this for 15 years and I can tell you, the best techs I know all have their own modified short cuts that get the job done right without all the extra wasted time. The key is knowing which steps actually matter and which ones are just CYA paperwork. Factory procedures are great for certification and official records, but for routine checks? Use them as a rough guide, not a religion.

sagep1914d ago

Totally feel you on this one. I've been in similar situations where the "right way" according to the book takes twice as long and doesn't even give a better result. It's not about being lazy, it's about knowing the job well enough to spot the useless busywork. Some of those extra steps are just there to protect the company from lawsuits, not to make the actual product better. The best mechanics I've worked with all had their own smart shortcuts that saved time without cutting quality. It's about trusting your experience and knowing where you can bend without breaking anything important.