Ethics

eth-ic (?th’?k) n. A principle of right or good conduct. A system of moral principles or moral values. The rules or standards governing the conduct of the members of a profession.

eth-i-cal (?th’?-k?l) adj. In accordance with the accepted principles of right and wrong that govern the conduct of a profession.

in-teg-ri-ty (in-t?g’r?-t?) n. Rigid adherence to a code or standard of values; probity. The state of being unimpaired; soundness. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness.

Our current culture – and our history as a society – is marred by many examples of failure created by a lack of ethics, ethical voids and damaged integrity. When there is a lack of these values – either real or perceived – there is a lack of trust.

And when there is a lack of trust – there is a lack of drive, motivation, confidence, assurance, respect, the list goes on.

Part of our mission and purpose is to be a “trusted adviser” to our clients. To earn that trust we understand that we must act with integrity, act ethically and be a purveyor of the “truth”. We know if we fail to act with integrity or act ethically we destroy the trust needed to fulfill our mission and purpose.

Part of our vision is this: It is easy to “tell the truth” – for telling the truth is nothing more than making your words fit reality. Integrity is something more – for it is making reality fit your words.

Are we perfect? No. We make mistakes. But we have found that those mistakes are not ethical failures – they are communication failures – issues of misunderstanding. We believe that open, honest communication and feedback is the essential foundation for a healthy relationship with our clients and partners. Our commitment to this belief is incorporated into every agreement that we enter into with our clients and partners, as follows:

Feedback

It is mutually expected by DKS&CO and the client that both parties will work in partnership and provide timely feedback on the value and quality of the body of work. Throughout the project the client is expected to communicate timely feedback to the consultant as to the quality, progress or value of the venture as is the consultant expected to communicate timely feedback to the client as to the quality, progress or cooperation of client personnel in support of the venture. It is understood by both the consultant and the client that only through this steady and timely mutual feedback that the relationship is able to provide high quality and value of services to the client.

In the years of experience that our team has “from the other side of the desk” as clients – we never saw a consulting agreement that incorporated this dedication to and expectation of feedback. In every project where we observed communications failure, the dedication to timely and open feedback was missing. Even with this dedication on our part we find that some clients still struggle – that they will reserve their feedback and not communicate the issues they have openly. We will continue to work with these clients – in a patient and persistent way – to bring out their concerns and issues. We will confront misunderstanding or misinterpretation with “terrier tenacity”. Sometimes the problems a company faces are not systematic – but are really symptomatic of behavior. We help our clients face the “truth”. We are aware – and sensitive – to the cultural issues that many companies have. But where we see the issues being created by behavior that lacks integrity, ethics, honesty, or maturity – we will identify the issue and make recommendations on how to deal with the issue. If that bothers you – then perhaps we are not the kind of consultant that you need.

Note: Our marketing "expert" advised us that we really should not include the above paragraph in our marketing material – we would “scare” away business. We respectfully rejected that advice – we want clients that value our “up front” ethical approach – for those clients are the ones that are ready to make improvements of substance.

As a member of the Association of Professional Material Handling Consultants – Our principal – David Schneider – is committed to follow the Code of Ethics of the association.

• Place the interests of clients and prospective clients ahead of our own.
• Hold as confidential all information about a client obtained in the course of a professional assignment.
• Avoid conflicts of interest, or the appearance of such, and will disclose to a client any circumstances, relationships or interests that might influence judgment and objectivity.
• Ensure that a client receives a written proposal and has a clear understanding of the objectives, scope and fees or fee basis for the proposed services.
• Accept only engagements for which we are qualified by experience and competence.
• Maintain independence in thought and action.
• Not engage in the business of selling material handling products or related systems and equipment.
• Not accept fees, commissions or other valuable consideration from individuals or organizations whose equipment, supplies or services might be recommended in the course of service to clients.
• Develop and promote professionalism in the field of material handling.

We do perform work for clients who are engaged in the business of selling material handling products or related systems. That work is often design in nature – where the manufacturer hires us to assist in the design and testing of equipment or systems. There are times that the equipment provider hires us to assist with a specific project for one of their clients. In each of those cases we do not receive any commissions or sales – and do not work under any contingency arrangements. In each case we are paid by the supplier whether the supplier “wins” the business or not.

We have purchased and resold equipment at cost to clients. In each case this sale supported the development of a design prototype to test in the client’s operations. Often we have made modifications to the equipment – either in our own shop or through a contract fabricator – to create a custom prototype for testing at the client. When a design becomes approved for production – we help the client “shop” for the best value product – and help the client make the direct purchase of the products. If modifications or fabrication is needed we may help the client arrange for fabrication, or arrange the fabrication on behalf of the client.