Implementing design for environment changes in Quantum's high-end tape business

Quantum's Specialty Storage Products Group (SSPG) designs and manufactures high-end Digital Linear Tape (DLT/sup TM/) back-up systems, libraries and autoloaders. Quantum set out to improve the environmental performance of this product line by developing and implementing a design for environment (DFE) program customized for the product, its customers, and end-users. Although environmental improvement was a high priority for the project, it was also critical to encourage those changes that would meet business needs, and that could feasibly be implemented. A combined effort was made between Environmental Engineers, SSPG Marketing, and Advanced Products (AP) Engineering to identify such possible changes. To prioritize DFE areas, Quantum considered, in order of priority: (1) market advantage and customer concerns, (2) engineering feasibility/cost, and (3) environmental impact. Data from end-users, as well as from product knowledge, literature and disassembly sequences were utilized. As a result of the prioritization and involvement of these groups, changes were made to the product design that will reduce environmental impact during use and disposal phases.