Mike Manos has his blog at http://loosebolts.wordpress.com/, and I found this article interesting on how weak bolts have suspended the operations of three Korean Submarines. Many of the data center industry professionals have had duty on a submarine. Can you imagine how pissed off the operations crew would be at this problem?

For the first 1,800-ton submarine Sohn Won-il, a total of 20 bolts came loose on six occasions between 2006 and 2009.
For the second submarine Jeong Ji, its bolts were broken or loosened on six occasions between 2009 and 2010 while for the third submarine Ahn Jung-geun, its bolts were broken and came loose on three occasions during the same period.
The 214-class submarines, which were designed by German’s Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft AG, or HDW, and built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, are the primary naval assets for underwater operations.
The military investigated and found that a local subcontractor produced and provided bolts which were weaker than what the German firm required in its design of the submarines, sources said.

I've been having some interesting discussions on supply chain issues in the data center and the need for a Bill of Materials (BOM) approach. I've tested the idea with some experienced people who understand the approach. But, to be successful we need an executive sponsor.

Can you think of other data center problems caused by supply chain issues where substandard parts are installed? I can.