
xi
Introduction to Process Dependency
Why does one batch of product perfectly suit the needs of a particular customer while
others range from barely adequate to completely useless? Why do some product types
require completely different development techniques?
The man who comes up with a means for doing or producing almost
anything better, faster or more economically has his future and his for-
tune at his ngertips.
J. Paul Getty
We routinely witness the introduction of miraculous new materials with
amazing properties. When newly discovered, they are rare, expensive, and
temperamental in their performance. Gradually, they evolve, improve, and
become ...