Rooster's Revenge

I remember telling the GM Die Standards Task Force that the die standards should be published as a searchable web-based tool instead of the traditional static paper document in a three ring binder.

That was 1992.

For the past 15 years, it has been a static PDF document.

Hoo-ha.

Why not publish die standards using WordPress blog technology?

I have spent my entire career solving business problems by using technologies that were not intended for a particular purpose or use.

Most folks call that “out of the box” thinking.

I call it “find a way or make one” doing.

Using WordPress blog technology is no different in this case. Let me explain.

Die standards should have three properties:

1. Searchable for ease of use;
2. Web-based for global accessibility;
3. Fast for publishing and commenting.

WordPress fits the bill. Even though this technology is meant for blogging and not a procedural document like die standards, it simply works. Perfectly.

Imagine the categories as topics, such as draw dies, casting construction, and pressure systems.

Each post in each category would be the traditional “section”, such as gas springs, nitrogen manifolds, etc.

I would tag each post with relevant uses to make searches easier and relevant.

Got a trim die with cams in a transfer press? Search on trim, cam, transfer and BAM! All relevant die standards would appear in one list. All the standards you need to get the job done.

How about a question on the intent of a standard while sitting in a die shop in Taiwan or Korea? Simply post a comment from your Apple iPhone. The die standards folks would get an automated email with the comment that they can post a reply to or contact the person with the question directly.

How sweet is that?

The coolest thing about my idea? Go beyond static images with videos, animation, and audio files is possible with WordPress.

Hell, you could even link to engineering files or additional information at suppliers’ websites.

Speaking of suppliers. How many times do you have to search the web for a catalog item? No more with my idea here.

I would use the blogroll area to link to all approved supplier websites / catalogs.

The best part of all this? You don’t have to be a publishing expert to use WordPress. If you can type an email, you can blog.

Ok. Maybe that is the best part for the technical folks. The best part for the management folks?

Saving a boatload of cash in publishing and printing costs to maintain die standards.

Very soon, I plan to setup a demo of what is possible. I have registered the domain diestandards.com and will update you when I get a prototype up and running (busy running around the country these days).