Once it's installed with custom add-ons and special report functions that have been locally written, there is no way for suppliers to help the users predict what will happen. And some hiccups may occur in places that cause more than just a nuisance or harm to a negligent company. The American Chemical Society has warned that chips automating control pumps and valves to prevent spills and other hazards may have problems that have not been addressed by small to medium-size firms. Consultants hired by Occidental Chemical found 10 times more systems with potential Y2K problems than the company's own engineers found. Larger companies surveyed said they were on track to be compliant by 2000, while smaller firms were having trouble finding technical help that was affordable and competent.
Time is short and the stakes are high.
The century rollover could be a nuisance or a calamity depending on the diligence with which Y2K correction is pursued. Send a Postcard Service Desk Contact Us Copyright 1999, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. All rights reserved.