Siheyuan: Starting from the driver

Chapter 727 Set the Rules

With the two men in tow, Li Kailang headed straight for the warehouse.

Upon arriving at the warehouse, Zhao Xiaohai saw someone who shouldn't have been there.

"Xiao Sun? What are you doing here? Weren't you arrested? Why are you back?"

Upon hearing Zhao Xiaohai's words, Xiao Sun's face darkened, and he burst into a tirade:
"What are you saying? Are you cursing me? Are you cursing me? You bastard, I saw through you a long time ago, you're a wicked thing!"

After being scolded, Zhao Xiaohai smiled sheepishly and awkwardly scratched his head.

"Don't be angry, don't be angry. It was just an accident. Why are you back? Weren't you arrested last week?"

"Just because I've been arrested doesn't mean I can't be released. I haven't done anything serious, they just dragged me in for questioning. I think you're just doing this to please me."

"No, you're overthinking it. It was just an accident," Zhao Xiaohai explained.

Although some people were arrested and then released during the crackdown, the number was not large. Zhao Xiaohai was somewhat surprised that Xiao Sun would be one of them.

After scolding Zhao Xiaohai, Xiao Sun immediately noticed Li Kailang.

"Who is this?"

Zhao Xiaohai quickly introduced, "This is our newly appointed deputy head of the Materials Department, Li Kailang. Deputy Head Li is in charge of coordinating with the workshop."

"He's in charge of everything that involves the workshop. Last week, when you were arrested, there was almost a major incident in the warehouse. Luckily, Deputy Section Chief Li was there, or it could have been a disaster."

Xiao Sun looked at Li Kailang. His coworkers had told him about what happened last week as soon as he arrived. Luckily, someone had resolved the issue, otherwise it would have been troublesome.

"Thank you so much, Deputy Section Chief Li, otherwise I would have almost gotten into trouble," Xiao Sun said, bowing with his hands clasped in gratitude.

"It's nothing, it's all what I should do," Li Kailang waved his hand.

"I wonder what brings Deputy Section Chief Li here? Is there anything I can help you with?"

“You don’t need to help. Deputy Section Chief Li brought us here to learn how to inspect materials. You can just do your thing,” Zhao Xiaohai explained.

Xiao Sun looked at Li Kailang, and seeing that he didn't say anything, said, "Okay, then I'll get back to work."

Li Kailang nodded and led the two to see the materials.

We walked up to a pile of hot-rolled steel plates that had just been put into storage and were waiting for random inspection.

The surface of the steel plate is covered with a layer of bluish-gray oxide scale.

"Let's get started without delay, Xiao Hai, Zhang Wei. The first step is to identify the batch documents."

Li Kailang picked up the factory's internal inventory receipt, which was clipped to the steel plate.

"Check whether the brand, specifications, and quantity on the documents match the actual labels and verbal instructions. If any information does not match, this batch of goods cannot be inspected."

"This step is crucial and cannot be taken lightly. If there's a problem with the form, there's no need to check the materials."

Li Kailang explained in great detail, pointing out the key information to look for on the documents one by one.

Zhao Xiaohai leaned close, his eyes fixed intently on the document, muttering to himself.

Zhang Wei pulled out a small notebook from somewhere and quickly jotted down the key points.

Next, he walked to a corner of the warehouse, picked up a small special hammer, and tapped different parts of the board.

"Listen to the sound! Listen for any different sounds; this step is also very important."

"Experienced masters can usually tell what's wrong just by listening to the sound. You have to listen and practice a lot to get a feel for it."

As he spoke, Li Kailang tapped several pieces of steel, some good and some bad, and asked the two of them to carefully distinguish the differences.

Zhao Xiaohai and Zhang Wei took turns stepping forward, picking up small hand hammers, and clumsily began to strike under Li Kailang's guidance.

At first, Xiao Hai only heard "clang clang clang". Only after Li Kailang repeatedly pointed it out did he vaguely discern that the sound of one tapping point seemed to be a little quieter than the others.

Zhang Wei appeared more focused, his eyes slightly narrowed, as if trying to capture the subtle differences in each strike.

"Did you notice the difference?"

The two shook their heads: "They feel a little different. This one is a bit dull, and that one is a bit crisp."

"Good, the first two steps are for quickly retrieving the problem. Next, we need to check it carefully."

Li Kailang nodded, and then picked up a wire brush and a small scraper with rounded edges.

"First, remove the oxide layer from the surface of the steel." He squatted down and deftly selected a spot on a steel plate.

"The brushing and scraping techniques must be steady, so that the skin can be removed without using too much force and damaging the steel itself. Use wrist strength, not arm strength."

As he spoke, he demonstrated, his movements clean and efficient, revealing a bright, metallic sheen where the oxide layer had peeled off.

"Let me try!" Zhao Xiaohai couldn't wait to pick up the brush and start scraping, imitating Li Kailang.

As a result, the force was not controlled well, and with a "sizzle", a clear scratch was left on the surface of the steel.

"Ouch!" he exclaimed, his face turning bright red.

Li Kailang didn't blame him, but calmly said, "It's okay that you scratched it, but remember this feeling, and be gentler next time."

"These scratches need to be marked. We need to specify this when the product is shipped out later. It can't be used on surfaces with high surface requirements. Zhang Wei, you give it a try."

Zhang Wei took the tool and tried it carefully. His movements were a little stiff, but he was very cautious. He only scraped off the oxide layer and did not leave any obvious marks.

"Hmm, Zhang Wei's first time doing this, the pressure is good," Li Kailang affirmed.

After cleaning up a small area, Li Kailang picked up a magnifying glass and calipers.

"The third step is to check for appearance defects and dimensional accuracy."

He began by explaining how to distinguish surface problems such as roll marks, cracks, pits, and oxide scale indentation.

"Cracks must not be overlooked, no matter how small they are. Under high temperature and pressure, even a small crack can be magnified into a fatal injury."

Next, he used calipers to measure the thickness and width of the steel plate, emphasizing the need to measure several points at different locations, especially the corners where dimensional deviations are most likely to occur.

The three of them spent the entire morning in the warehouse.

Li Kailang combines explanation and demonstration in a clear and organized manner, not only teaching "how to do it" but also emphasizing "why do it this way".

Zhao Xiaohai gradually calmed down his initial impetuousness, and his movements became more steady.

Zhang Wei's notes were filled with dense writing.

Both of them were very engrossed in their studies.

Finally, let the two of them try it out themselves. Li Kailang took this opportunity to rest and think about how to improve the details discussed in the morning.

I returned to the Materials Science Department in the afternoon.

Section Chief Qian strolled over, a cigarette dangling from his lips, a broad smile on his face: "So, Deputy Section Chief Li? Do you think these two lads are up to par?"

"You studied very diligently," Li Kailang gave an objective evaluation, then changed the subject.

"Section Chief Qian, it's just in time that you've arrived. I've come up with a draft of the contingency plan details we discussed this morning. Would you like to take a look?"

Section Chief Qian's smile paused almost imperceptibly for a moment before he took the few pages of paper that Li Kailang handed him.

The main contents of the contingency plan were neatly written on the paper, divided into several parts.

First, the activation conditions are clearly listed, specifying when quality inspectors are unable to be on duty, production workshops urgently need materials, or higher-level departments conduct temporary inspections, requiring the activation of emergency standby positions.

Second, the duties and authority of standby personnel should be clearly defined, and emergency quality inspectors should be allowed to perform emergency operations, which should be recorded and archived afterward, with the emergency standby operation noted.

Thirdly, the emergency procedures include warehouse application and approval/confirmation by the head of the materials department.
The entire process is clear and straightforward.

Section Chief Qian scanned the well-organized, clearly defined, and highly actionable contingency plan. His initial casual expression gradually became more complex; his brow furrowed slightly, he exhaled a puff of smoke, and sighed.
"Hey, Deputy Section Chief Li, your detailed rules are very thorough and well thought out. It shows that you really put your heart into it. This level of expertise is worthy of a college graduate."

He flicked his cigarette ash, then changed the subject: "However, we have to consider the actual situation."

"Look, this involves approving slips, seeking instructions, keeping independent records, and contacting the workshop immediately."

"This isn't an emergency plan; it's even more complicated than our usual procedures!"

"If we encounter a truly urgent situation where we need to release materials, and the workshop foreman comes to the warehouse cursing, while we're still waiting for a report? Who will take responsibility for this disruption to production?"

"The purpose of this contingency plan is to improve efficiency and deal with emergencies. We can't let it tie our own hands, can we? Let's simplify it a bit more."

Li Kailang looked at Section Chief Qian calmly: "Section Chief Qian, the contingency plan is to prevent chaos. The more urgent the situation, the more we need to be organized."

"We cannot allow standby personnel to release problems under pressure just because the situation is urgent; that would truly lead to disaster."

“With clear procedures, the standby personnel can act with confidence and follow the rules. The workshop knows that we are implementing standardized emergency procedures, so they can’t be blamed.”

“That’s true,” Section Chief Qian said with a troubled expression, “but when you’re on the scene, you’re not in control of your own destiny! When things get urgent, you don’t care about any rules!”

"Okay, simplify it a bit more. The core of these detailed rules is excellent! They must be implemented!"

"But in terms of specific operational details, how about giving them some flexibility and letting them adapt to the actual situation?"

"After all, they're the ones implementing it! As for the details, let's distribute these core rules first, so the warehouse has a general idea. If we encounter any problems during operation, we can supplement them as needed."

The implication of Section Chief Qian's words couldn't be clearer.

He hopes to retain the title of "having a contingency plan" and the arrangement of "standby personnel".

However, there are substantial binding clauses and record requirements, especially those that may affect "speed" and "personal relationships".

He wanted to blur the lines, but the final execution still depended on the individual's "flexibility".

“Okay.” Li Kailang did not directly refute.

He knew that tearing off the mask now would be pointless and might even cause the nascent detailed rules to fail.

He needs time for Zhao Xiaohai and Zhang Wei to truly master the technology, and he also needs to prove the effectiveness of the contingency plan with facts.

"Then let's do it according to Section Chief Qian's opinion. I will give Xiao Hai and Zhang Wei a grasp of the core principles and spirit of the plan this afternoon."

"We also ask Master Sun, Liu Mantiao, and other quality inspectors to understand and grasp this."

"Ah! That's right!" Section Chief Qian breathed a sigh of relief, his face immediately beaming with a smile.

"Deputy Section Chief Li is so considerate of the overall situation! With you in the department, I have so much less to worry about! Okay, here's the draft of the detailed rules."

"I have some things to attend to. Xiao Hai and Zhang Wei, you should learn from Deputy Section Chief Li this afternoon!"

He patted Li Kailang on the shoulder, turned around and walked away quickly, as if afraid that Li Kailang would change his mind.

Zhao Xiaohai and Zhang Wei stood to the side, having heard the entire conversation between the two.

Zhao Xiaohai scratched his head, somewhat puzzled: "Deputy Section Chief Li, so, should we follow the detailed rules for this contingency plan, or should we be flexible?"

He was still engrossed in his morning technical learning and completely oblivious to the subtle power struggles between the leaders.

Zhang Wei's eyes flickered slightly as he silently watched Li Kailang put away the "shelved" draft of the detailed rules, seemingly lost in thought.

He felt that the intricacies involved were more complex than he had imagined.

Li Kailang said directly, "Section Chief Qian has already agreed. The general standards for the contingency plan are here. What you two need to learn now is to thoroughly understand these standards!"

"Once your technical skills are up to par, I will teach you how to judge problems that truly require flexibility. Until then, flexibility is not an excuse; standards are the only requirement! Do you understand?"

"Yes!" the two replied solemnly immediately.

Things are going very well.

Li Kailang put the detailed plan in the warehouse and then went to the grassroots level to explain it in detail.

The quality inspectors all nodded in agreement. They had no choice but to comply, since the decision had already been made.

Although there are many steps and it's a bit troublesome, once the quality inspection is completed according to the procedure, it's not their problem even if something goes wrong.

"Master Lin, I'll leave the quality inspection to you."

Master Lin nodded: "Don't worry, my old bones can still be used."

After giving his instructions, Li Kailang returned to his office, where he focused on refining the details of the contingency plan.

On the one hand, combining the textbooks from evening classes with work cases, some common quality inspection problems were written down.

He even drew up several simplified flowcharts of the sampling inspection process and quick reference tables for common defects himself, which can greatly speed up the quality inspection process.

When these items were placed in the warehouse, the quality inspectors were stunned.

"Good heavens, why didn't I think of this idea?"

"My God, I thought this was the best method, but it turns out it's actually in a book. Why should I keep it to myself?"

"Yes, I was planning to pass it on to my son after I retire, so why would I hide it now?"

"We used to be afraid that our best-kept skills would be stolen. Now that I think about it, how foolish! If defective products were to sneak into the workshop, we would be ruining our own reputation and losing our jobs. What's the point of hiding them?"

Over the years, quality inspectors have accumulated some experience, but they cannot simply share it.

They also want to pass it on to their children so they can take over their jobs and keep their secure livelihoods.

Li Kailang's actions revealed all the valuable lessons they had accumulated.

Some people naturally regard it as a treasure, while others naturally regard it as poison.

The atmosphere was more vibrant than ever before, and a sense of cohesion based on technological consensus was forming.

This is exactly the effect Li Kailang wanted.

When "identifying problems and ensuring safety" becomes a consensus, the space for "flexible handling" will naturally be squeezed to a minimum.

"Cough cough~"

Li Kailang naturally understood the meaning behind this and coughed lightly twice.

"To all the quality inspectors, you have worked hard in the warehouse, ensuring the production of the workshop day after day for more than ten years."

"Although you don't directly produce goods or have transportation teams, you are a group of unsung heroes."

These words of gratitude brought tears to the eyes of the quality inspectors, who had never imagined that their work was so important.

"The common questions are posted here, and everyone can take a look. For the sake of the factory, I think there's no need for everyone to keep things to themselves anymore."

"Our greatest skill as quality inspectors is being able to find problems the fastest, not just finding problems that others haven't noticed."

These words once again changed everyone's ulterior motives.

“That’s right, Deputy Section Chief Li is right.”

“I was petty before. I happen to have a little trick up my sleeve, and since everyone’s here today, I’ll share it.”

Immediately, someone shared some of their insights.

Seeing the atmosphere instantly improve, Li Kailang smiled with satisfaction.

If every quality inspector can work independently, then what's the point of having these detailed rules?
You don't need to follow any procedures; just point out any problems directly. It's much faster than applying.

"Get the job done!"

(End of this chapter)