This example shows how information entered in one place propagates to the documents that require it. We will start with a part and its characteristics. Then, we will create a Process Planner for this part. In the Process Flow Diagram we will enter some operations, using the characteristics entered earlier for the part. Then, we will see how the Control Plan will have immediate access to this information. We will also see how newly entered information is automatically propagated through these documents.

To create a part:

1.    From TOC, Design, select Parts and create a new part. You may wish to enter the property values as shown below:

To create a Process Planner:

1.    From TOC, Process select Process Planner and create a new one. Here is an example:

 

2.    Under the Process Flow Diagram (PFD) tab, enter the operations as shown above. Notice that for each operation, a previously entered characteristic is entered. The Product or Process Characteristic fields are populated automatically with the characteristic description once the Characteristic ID is chosen. The description of product characteristics will appear in the Product Characteristic column (see characteristics 001, 002, & 004). The description of process characteristics will appear in the Process Characteristic column (see characteristic 003).

3.    Save the Process Planner by hitting the Save icon .

4.    Go to the Control Plan tab. The view below shows the Control Plan without any additional data. In other words, what you see below is data that has been propagated from other sources:

Notice that the operation numbers are filled in, as well as the Operation Description. The Characteristics that go along with each operation are filled in, as well as the characteristics descriptions - be they product or process descriptions. The data for the characteristic class, target and tolerance is propagated from the Part itself.

The characteristic data is propagated to all documents that may require it regardless of the location from which it was entered. For example, if you add a new characteristic in the PFD tab of the Process Planner, it will show up on the Characteristics tab of the part, and also become available to all FMEAs through the Characteristic Browser. Here is an example of what happens when a characteristic is added.

To add a new operation from CP:

1.    On the Control Plan tab of the Process Planner, add an operation with the following data:

a.    Operation # - 005

b.    Description - Packaging

c.    Machine Tools - skip for now

d.    Char - opens the characteristics browser. We will add a new characteristic.

2.    When the characteristic browser is displayed, enter a new characteristic as shown below:

Leave the new characteristic selected and hit Return or the Green check mark Workflow_Promote_image002.gif.

3.    Your Control Plan should now look like this:

4.    Save the Control Plan. Switch back to the PFD tab. Notice that the new operation appears there as well. Also, if you go back to our original Part – ‘XMR-001B’, you will see the new characteristic appear under the Characteristics tab.