What determines how defects should be treated?

The manufacturer's discretion is critical in determining how defects should be treated because manufacturers often have the best understanding of their processes, capabilities, and the implications of various defects on their products. They can assess defects within the context of the specific requirements for their products, which may include considerations like performance, reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

In practice, manufacturers often establish their own quality assurance processes and can choose how strictly they adhere to industry standards. They also take into account customer requirements, product specifications, and regulatory guidelines. This approach allows for flexibility in production, tailoring treatment of defects to minimize impact on overall quality while still meeting or exceeding customer expectations.

While industry standards and customer preferences play important roles, these factors are often integrated into the decision-making process of the manufacturer. Quality control certifications are also significant but tend to serve more as benchmarks for practices rather than deciding factors themselves. Therefore, the manufacturer's discretion, informed by a comprehensive understanding of all these elements, is foundational in defect treatment.