Paul Magès' notes on the Demange study regarding technical documentation for the network (April 1966)

In this document

These four pages gather handwritten notes by Paul Magès, written in response to a study by Mr. R. Demange dedicated to the organisation of technical documentation published by the factory for the commercial network p. 64.

Response on BEA / Super Contrôle responsibilities

Magès expresses his agreement with certain conclusions of the study: PD (spare parts) catalogues must return "to the PD", and repair methods to the Super Contrôle p. 64. He also accepts that the BEA (Design Office) should not itself establish repair ranges or technical notes.

On the other hand, he firmly contests the idea that the "Repair Method" function cannot be "attached to the design office which must not be judge and party" p. 64. He argues that the BEA "is always obliged to think about repair, just as it is obliged to think about manufacturing, cost price and quality", without necessarily establishing the corresponding ranges itself p. 64.

The Super Contrôle - BEA link

Regarding the plans, Magès notes that the assemblies and components are indeed designed while "thinking about repair", but that the assembly and disassembly ranges do not always appear p. 65. He proposes a closer link between the Super Contrôle and the BEA from the first prototypes of new components, in order to delve deeper into the repair problem and establish repair and adjustment ranges earlier p. 65.

Final validation and signature

On 26 April 1966, Magès concludes that he is "completely in agreement" with the organisation planned for the rapid BEA - PD - Sync. links, and has "nothing to say" about the current or proposed organisation of the Control Department p. 66. However, he insists that the technical projects and documents distributed must receive the approval of the BEA vehicle and component manager, "in the same way" as the plans, which are only scheduled after the approval of the interested departments p. 66. The document is signed "Magès" and dated 26.4.66 p. 66.

Page 67 lists a series of technical examples mentioned in support of his point: mono pump, headlight adjustment, corrector adjustment, leak without ball, corrector adjustment, clutch travel, sealing washer, seal assembly in rotating coupling p. 67.

Context

At that time, Citroën was developing and distributing complex technical documentation for its network of dealers and repairers, particularly for the DS, whose hydraulics (suspension, steering, brakes, clutch) required precise adjustment procedures. The components cited on page 67 (correctors, pump, hydraulic clutch) are typical of the hydropneumatic system developed by Magès. The question of coordination between the design office and control/repair departments was a classic industrial organisation issue in large automotive companies of the time.

Archivist's perspective

This document illustrates, beyond the purely technical aspect, the role of Magès in the industrial organisation of Citroën: he does not limit himself to design but actively intervenes in the processes of disseminating technical knowledge to the network. He seems particularly anxious that the BEA should retain a right of oversight over any documentation concerning the components he has designed p. 66, which echoes his vigilance regarding the reliability of the hydraulics documented in other pieces of the collection, such as the note on the operational safety of the hydraulics or the investigation into hydraulic leaks. The list of technical examples on page 67, although fragmentary, probably testifies to his very concrete concern that repair ranges effectively cover the sensitive points of the hydraulic system.