A cable order that left an engineer in trouble

Every week, The Register features stories from readers about workplace mistakes. This time, a reader known as Terry recounts an incident from the 1970s when he worked for a defense-related company and ordered 100 meters of RG8 50 ohm coaxial cable. However, he overlooked an option for 'partial delivery', resulting in him receiving only one meter of cable, which was insufficient to connect two laboratories.

## Why it matters These types of errors highlight the importance of paying attention to detail when placing orders, especially in professional environments where specifications are critical. A simple oversight can lead to significant delays and operational complications.

## What we know Terry found himself in a tricky situation due to his lack of attention when selecting delivery options. His experience serves as a reminder that in the business world, every little detail counts, and an error in an order can have repercussions on daily work.

## What is still unclear It is still unclear how Terry resolved the issue of the missing cable or what the immediate consequences were in his work. However, his story provides a valuable lesson about the importance of precision in purchasing.