2.4 Ethics, Integrity, and IP Security

Trust is our primary currency. As an Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider, clients hand us their most valuable assets: their Intellectual Property (IP) and their reputation.

This chapter defines how we protect that trust. It is not a list of "Do Nots" based on suspicion; it is a framework of Professional Standards based on respect. We hire adults, and we expect adult judgment. The goal is to ensure that Dannie remains a "Vault" for our customers and a "Fair Player" in the market.

Customer Data Protection & IP Sanctity

We are the guardians of our customers' inventions. A leak from Dannie is not just a security breach; it is an existential threat to our client's business.

The "Vault" Mandate:

Segregation: Client data (Gerbers, BOMs, Schematics) acts as "Need to Know" only. We do not discuss Client A's technology with Client B.
The "No Photo" Zone: Photography on the production floor is strictly prohibited unless authorized for specific Engineering Reporting. A casual selfie can accidentally leak a prototype design in the background.
Data Hygiene:
- Clean Desk Policy: No printed schematics left on desks overnight.
- Digital Hygiene: Never upload client files to public AI tools, unsecured cloud storage, or personal email.
The Test: Treat every file as if it contains the launch codes.

Professional Boundaries (Gifts & Hospitality)

We build partnerships based on performance, not perks. We want our suppliers to win our business because they are the best, not because they bought the best lunch.

The Logic of Neutrality:

Token vs. Bribe: A branded t-shirt or a working lunch (<$50) is a courtesy. A weekend trip or an expensive watch is a bribe.
The Rule: If a gift could make you hesitate to give honest, critical feedback to that partner later, return it.
Transparency: If you receive a gift that exceeds the limit but cannot be refused (cultural reasons), declare it to HR immediately. We will raffle it off for charity or put it in the communal office pool.

Conflicts of Interest

You have a life outside of Dannie, and we respect that. A conflict of interest only becomes toxic when it is hidden.

The "Sunlight" Protocol:

Disclosure is the Cure: Having a relative at a supplier or a side business is not automatically a violation. Hiding it is.
Recusal: If you have a personal connection to a vendor or candidate, you must remove yourself from the decision-making loop for that specific case.
Side Projects: You are free to innovate on your own time, provided it does not compete with Dannie or utilize Dannie’s equipment/IP.

Financial & Process Integrity

Our "Data Sovereignty" value applies to our books as much as our engineering.

Accuracy is Non-Negotiable: modifying a yield report to "look better" or backdating a compliance document is fraud.
Expense Honesty: Treat company capital with the same prudence as your own savings. We reimburse for business results, not personal comfort.

The "Speak Up" Culture

A culture of integrity requires psychological safety. We value the messenger who helps us correct our course.

Reporting Channels:

If you see something that puts our reputation or our client's IP at risk:

Talk to your Manager.
Contact HR/Legal directly.
Use the Anonymous Integrity Line.

The Guarantee:

We Listen: Every report is investigated.
We Protect: Retaliation against an employee who reports a concern in good faith is a fireable offense. We protect the source, not the violator.

The Gray Zone Decision Matrix

Regulations cannot cover every scenario. When the rulebook is silent, use this logic to navigate the gray zone.

1. The "Front Page" Test

Would I be proud to explain this action to my family, our CEO, and our Client on a public stage?

If No → Stop.

2. The "Reversibility" Test

If the roles were reversed, would I feel treated fairly?

If No → Stop.

3. The "IP" Test

Does this action expose a secret that isn't mine to share?

If Yes → Stop.

Final Checklist

Category	Standard	Action Required
Client IP	Absolute Sanctity	No photos, clean desks, secured data.
Gifts	Professional Courtesy (<$50)	Accept only token items; decline influence.
Conflicts	Transparency	File a Disclosure Form if unsure.
Data Accuracy	Zero Manipulation	Record reality, even if it's bad news.
Reporting	See Something, Say Something	Report risks; the company guarantees non-retaliation.