Eddie-
With all due respect, I'm not totally sure where you're coming from.
While there are some bad examples of consultants in our field (as in every
field) - "unemployed with a briefcase", most consultants, present company
included, are people with extensive, hands-on experience in process and
manufacturing engineering.  In addition, they get around to multiple sites,
locales and applications as opposed to an in-house Manf. Eng. who sees the
same range of applications all of the time. Yes, there is no replacement for a
good solid group of Manufacturing Engineers - one should never rely only on
"outside help".  But the outside perspective is an extremely important one -
and one that can get quite expensive at times.
I have, for example, known Werner Englemaier for many years, back to the days
when he was with AT&T.  I can't think of anyone, off-hand, with a more
extensive background and expertise in solder joint reliability.  He literally
"wrote the book".  I am constantly impressed with the volumes of information
he continually shares with us AT NO COST !  The same applies with the other
consultants Joe mentioned as well as Paul and Terry at CSL, among others.
Consultants make their living "selling information" and helping people - let's
not be ungrateful for such gifts.

Phil Zarrow
ITM, Inc.
Durham, NH  USA

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