Are there also any disadvantages?

Article#: 00065

Date: 2021-07-23

Author: Radim

Be critical of what you ask for and offer.
Be honest with your customers and ask your suppliers to be honest with you.

Try to understand the customer's needs when using the product and inform them of the possible downsides.
What is useful and suitable for most may not be so for everyone.

Communicate the possible disadvantages as openly as the advantages.
If a disadvantage is hidden or not understood, its subsequent discovery can cause great disappointment and bad publicity.
Customers do not appreciate the benefits offered if a disadvantage is unacceptable to them.
You don't want to have disappointed customers, do you?

Communicate about your products with their pros and cons.
Expect the same from your supplier.
When a product is offered by retailers, they often only talk about things they can praise, and they don't talk about things that don't work or are not suitable for our use.
Therefore, ask about the disadvantages.

More powerful, faster, safer, cheaper, smaller/bigger, more atonomous, more reliable, more durable, more productive, less maintenance time and costs, more environmentally friendly, less waste, better user ergonomics, lower energy consumption, fewer personal, better connectivity ...
Ideally, we will improve all the product / system properties.
However, sometimes we can only improve some properties at the expense of penalizing other properties.
It is important that everyone can weigh up whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and whether the product suits them well.

© Radim-Automation, 2020–2025. All rights reserved.
Sharing of this article is permitted with proper attribution (link to the original page).

Related previous articles:

Related next articles:

Comment#: 00001

Date: 2022-10-22

User: Radim

"When something goes wrong, someone is going to tell the story. You'll be better off if it's you. Otherwise, you create an opportunity for rumors, hearsay, and false information to spread.
When something bad happens, tell your customers (even if they never noticed in the first place). Don't think you can just sweep it under the rug. You can't hide anymore. These days, someone else will call you on it if you don't do it yourself. They'll post about it online and everyone will know. There are no more secrets.
People will respect you more if you are open, honest, public, and responsive during a crisis. Don't hide behind spin or try to keep your bad news on the down low. You want your customers to be as informed as possible."
- Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson. 37signals (2010). Rework.

Comment#: 00002

Date: 2022-12-15

User: Radim

"The entire development cycle should be structured in such a way that communication with the customer is as frequent as possible, which is ultimately more important for the success of the project than the technology used."
Translated from:
- Petr Paleta. Computer Press (2003). Co programátory ve škole neučí (Page 255).

Comment#: 00003

Date: 2023-07-11

User: Radim

"New risks are also emerging in automated production, because who will restart a plant or even just a machine if the staff responsible for it at the time of shutdown are no longer working in the same plant. The transfer of knowledge, for example about the last software versions or settings, becomes indispensable. If you do not have the processes and the right solution in place, you risk everything. At this point, trends such as deploying increasing amounts of robots can only help to a limited extent, because even robots are dependent on updates and a certain level of maintenance."
- Curated by Statista, supported by octoplant by AUVESY-MDT. No Fatalism in Manufacturing. Exciting Insights from Leading Studies. (Page 5)
- https://info.auvesy-mdt.com/hubfs/Statista%20ePaper%20EN%20-%20AUVESY-MDT.pdf

Comment#: 00004

Date: 2023-08-11

User: Radim

"How to eliminate fifty percent of your business worries.

Everyone who wishes to present a problem to me must first prepare and submit a memorandum answering these four questions:
1. What is the problem?
2. What is the cause of the problem?
3. What are all the possible solutions of the problem?
4. What solution do you suggest?

My associates rarely come to me now with their problems. Why? Because they've discovered that in order to answer those four questions, they have to get all the facts and think their problems through. And they've done that, they find in three-fourths of the the cases they don't have to consult me at all because the proper solution has popped out like a piece o fbread popping up from an electric toaster. Even in those cases where consultation is snecessary the discussion takes about one-third of the time formely required because it proceeds along an orderly, logical path to a reason conclusion."

- Dale Carnegie. Crescent News (1944). How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKzlc_N2yxw (01:07:50 - 01:09:53)

Comment#: 00005

Date: 2023-08-11

User: Radim

"Basic techniques in analysing worry:
Rule 1 - get the fact. Half the worry in the wold is caused by people trying to make decisions before they have sufficient knowledge on which to base a decision.
Rule 2 - after carefully weighing all the facts come to a decision.
Rule 3 - once a decision is carefully reached, act, get busy carrying out your decision and dismiss all enxiety about the outcome.
Rule 4 - when you or any of your associates are tempted to worry about a problem, write out and anser the following questions:
a) What is the problem?
b) What is the cause of the problem?
c) What are all possible solutions?
d) What is the best solution?"

- Dale Carnegie. Crescent News (1944). How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKzlc_N2yxw (01:12:50 - 01:13:50)

Comment#: 00006

Date: 2023-08-17

User: Radim

Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over?

"The saying "There's never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over" reflects a common observation about human behavior and project management. It suggests that people often rush through tasks or projects initially, hoping to save time and effort, but end up making mistakes or producing subpar results. As a result, they eventually need to invest more time and resources to fix those mistakes or redo the work properly.

There are several reasons why this phenomenon occurs:

1. Underestimation of Complexity: People might underestimate the complexity or difficulty of a task or project at the outset. This can lead to inadequate planning and allocation of resources, resulting in mistakes or oversights.

2. Pressure to Meet Deadlines: There is often pressure to complete tasks or projects quickly to meet deadlines. This can lead to shortcuts being taken or important steps being skipped in the interest of saving time.

3. Lack of Attention to Detail: When rushing through a task, individuals might not pay enough attention to details, leading to errors that require corrections later.

4. Overconfidence: Sometimes, people might overestimate their abilities or knowledge, leading them to believe they can complete a task quickly without proper preparation or diligence.

5. Incomplete Information: In some cases, tasks or projects might be started without having all the necessary information or requirements. This can lead to incorrect assumptions and decisions.

6. Limited Resources: Constraints on resources such as time, money, or manpower might force people to cut corners initially, with the intention of fixing things later when more resources are available.

7. Learning Curve: Sometimes, tasks involve new skills or technologies that individuals need to learn along the way. Initial attempts might be suboptimal as people are still acquiring the necessary expertise.

The saying serves as a reminder that investing the necessary time and effort upfront to do a task properly can save more time and resources in the long run. Proper planning, attention to detail, and thorough execution can help prevent mistakes and the need for redoing work.

However, it's worth noting that the saying is not universally true. In some cases, rushing through tasks might yield acceptable results, and redoing work might not be necessary. It all depends on the nature of the task, the level of expertise involved, and the specific circumstances."

- https://chat.openai.com (Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over?)

Comment#: 00007

Date: 2023-09-11

User: Radim

Does it make sense to think about digitalization if we don't see any use case?

"If you don't see any practical use case or clear benefit for digitalization in your specific situation, it may not make sense to pursue it blindly. Digitalization should always align with your organization's goals and needs. Here are some considerations:

1. Assess Business Objectives: Start by identifying your organization's objectives and challenges. Digitalization should align with your strategic goals, whether it's improving efficiency, reaching new markets, enhancing customer experiences, or reducing costs.

2. Customer Demands: Consider whether your customers or clients expect or would benefit from digital solutions. If there's no demand for digital services, investing in them may not provide a return on investment.

3. Competitive Landscape: Analyze your competition. If your competitors are effectively utilizing digital technologies to gain a competitive advantage, it might be necessary to explore digitalization to stay relevant.

4. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine if the potential benefits of digitalization outweigh the costs. If the investment doesn't offer a reasonable return, it might not be justified.

5. Resource Availability: Evaluate whether you have the necessary resources, including financial resources, technical expertise, and staff training, to implement and sustain digital solutions effectively.

6. Future Growth: Consider the scalability of your organization. Even if you don't currently see a clear use case for digitalization, it's essential to think about your organization's future growth and whether digital technologies could play a role in that growth.

7. Technology Trends: Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies. While there may not be an immediate use case, technological advancements could create new opportunities down the line.

8. Customer Feedback: Engage with your customers or stakeholders to gather feedback on their needs and preferences. They may provide insights that could uncover potential use cases for digitalization.

9. Pilot Projects: Instead of a full-scale digital transformation, consider starting with smaller pilot projects to test the waters and assess the feasibility and impact of digital solutions in a controlled environment.

10. Consult Experts: Seek advice from digital transformation consultants or experts in your industry. They can provide insights into potential use cases and help you determine if digitalization is appropriate for your organization.

In some cases, it may indeed be the case that digitalization doesn't make sense for your organization at a given time. However, it's essential to regularly revisit this assessment as technology and business landscapes evolve. What might not be relevant today could become essential in the future. Ultimately, the decision to pursue digitalization should be guided by a thorough understanding of your organization's unique needs and circumstances."

- https://chat.openai.com (Does it make sense to think about digitalization if we don't see any use case?)

Comment#: 00008

Date: 2023-09-13

User: Radim

Often the person who knows the answer or the right way is closer than you think. All you have to do is ask.

Comment#: 00009

Date: 2023-09-15

User: Radim

Complaints and identified problems are good sources of innovation.

Comment#: 00010

Date: 2023-10-02

User: Radim

How to get the right intuition?

"Developing and honing your intuition can be a valuable skill, but it's important to remember that intuition is inherently subjective and can't always be "right" in an objective sense. However, you can work on improving the accuracy and reliability of your intuition by following these tips:

1. Increase Your Knowledge and Experience: The more you know about a particular subject or domain, the better your intuition is likely to be within that area. Gain expertise and experience through study, practice, and exposure.

2. Trust Your Gut: Pay attention to your gut feelings or initial impressions. Sometimes, your subconscious mind processes information faster than your conscious mind, leading to intuitive insights. Don't dismiss these feelings outright; give them consideration.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness can improve your ability to recognize and trust your intuition.

4. Keep a Journal: Maintain a journal where you record your intuitive hunches and the outcomes. Over time, this can help you assess the accuracy of your intuition and learn from your experiences.

5. Seek Feedback: Discuss your intuitive insights with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. They can provide valuable perspectives and help you refine your intuition by offering feedback on your decisions.

6. Validate with Data: When possible, seek out data or information that can confirm or refute your intuitive impressions. This can help you develop a more evidence-based form of intuition.

7. Relax and Clear Your Mind: High-stress levels or a cluttered mind can cloud your intuition. Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to clear your mind and enhance your intuitive abilities.

8. Ask Open-Ended Questions: When facing a problem or decision, ask yourself open-ended questions and let your mind wander. This can stimulate creative and intuitive thinking.

9. Learn from Mistakes: Embrace your intuition's imperfections. When your intuition leads you astray, use those experiences as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and adjust your intuition accordingly.

10. Practice Patience: Sometimes, intuition needs time to develop. Don't rush your decision-making process if you're unsure. Give yourself the space to allow your intuition to emerge.

11. Combine with Analysis: Balance your intuition with analytical thinking. For important decisions, use your intuition as an initial guide but then follow up with critical analysis and data-driven assessment.

12. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions effectively. Emotional intelligence can enhance your ability to perceive and interpret your own and others' emotional signals, which can inform your intuition.

Remember that intuition can vary from person to person, and it's not always infallible. It's a skill that you can refine over time, but it's also important to recognize its limitations and use it as a complementary tool alongside rational thinking and evidence-based decision-making when appropriate."

- https://chat.openai.com (How to get the right intuition?)

Comment#: 00011

Date: 2023-11-28

User: Radim

If you choose the path to the left at the crossroads, you will not be able to pick the fruit that grows on the path to the right.
So collect all the requirements and decide which ones you want to choose and which ones you want to eliminate by weighing up the pros and cons.

Comment#: 00013

Date: 2024-02-14

User: Radim

Benefits and risks of software updates via remote access to customer machines

In today's agile world, quick and easy software updates are essential for maintaining technologies and systems. However, the transition from manual installation of updates to remote access raises an important discussion about the risks and benefits of this approach.

Technical feasibility and tools:
The technical aspect is not an obstacle. With today's concepts and tools, the application software can be updated on remote machines at the customer's premises.

Risks:
However, the main concerns relate to the risks associated with this procedure. There is a possibility that the installation of the new software version may cause unexpected problems that can have serious consequences. The machine may no longer be able to be started and may even no longer be accessible remotely. A specialist then has to travel to the customer. This can take up to several days and leads to expensive production downtime for the customer.

Benefits:
Conversely, remote software updates have many advantages. Customers do not have to wait for a technician to be present, which saves time and travel costs. In addition, the rapid availability of updates can improve overall customer satisfaction and increase efficiency.

Solution:
To minimize the risks associated with remote updates, clear rules and procedures must be established. These include thorough testing of updates prior to deployment, detailed data backup and recovery plans and adequate training of customer personnel.

Comment#: 00014

Date: 2024-03-25

User: Radim

Remove the "ballast" from the program!

Only include things in the program that are really needed. Unnecessary parts of the code in the program become obsolete, untested, raise unnecessary questions and are a source of ambiguity.

Sometimes it is a good idea to try more than one way in practice to find out which way is the best. However, once we have decided on a particular approach, it is important to consolidate our methods and remove the outdated ones. By removing "ballast" from the program, we eliminate potential sources of confusion and improve the overall quality of the code.

User:

Log in user:

Log in user:

Log in user - Failure:

Log in user - Failure:

Request password:

Request password:

Request password - Failure:

Register user:

Register user:

Register user - Failure:

Register user:

Register user - Failure:

Register user:

Register user - Failure:

Register user:

User settings:

User settings:

User settings:

User settings: