> Of kilopascal I have to repeat that this is a rare issue for me. Most of my recent work is with software user interfaces. But to continue...
> If you are working with an American client on an Engineering project > and the issue of measurement systems or standards never arises, > would you feel free to use SI? Yes. But I would have to be very confident that the issue would never arise to my detriment in the future. >So, Terry, would you be compelled to point out to a client if >he specifies FFU that all other equipment on the project is SI >and his choice of FFU is going to be a problem? Yes, in the exact way that you express it. I would regard it as my duty, and that of everyone working on the project, to point out a problem due to incompatibilities. Incidentally, my clients include females. I would also remark if there was a 'metric standard' relevant to the project, although I would research my information very carefully. It always helps to be able to have the exact document in a meeting or give an exact reference. If there is no problem of compatibility, then I would think carefully about whether to raise it and how. I have had some success with recommending more use of SI to UK clients merely because it is a 'good thing'. With US clients being a 'good thing' would be necessary but not sufficient. I am more cautious because of the problems of a foreigner recommending the 'foreign' metric system. I sometimes try to make progress by discussing ways of internationalisation and saving costs over the product lifecycle. I try to ensure there is no hard coding of old units in software or documentation. >Would you feel compelled to "educate" your client who may assume falsely >that all other contractors on a project are using FFU? No, I would not feel compelled unless it was a problem as discussed above. If there is a bad conclusion being drawn on the basis of a false assumption then I might mention it. >Would you feel compelled to point out that a product your customer is >wanting to build in FFU may not be marketable in most of the world? No, I would not feel compelled. But international selling is one reason why I would choose to mention it. >And would you feel compelled to inform him if you have proof, that the >product/project would be so many dollars cheaper if he used metric in >design and specification of parts. Yes, in the exact way that you express it. I would regard it as my duty, and that of everyone working on the project, to point out a way of saving money. -- Terry Simpson Human Factors Consultant [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.connected-systems.com Phone: +44 7850 511794
