that will build, execute, and monitor the project plan and head up the team throughout the entire process to ensure continuity of understanding and commitments. This person will be the only contact with the systems builder or supplier.
General Information
Project Name
Tech Spec revision level
Tech Spec revision date
Project description
Estimated machine life
Target cost
Performance Specifications
Production rate
Maximum noise levels
Capability
Operator duties
Number of operators
Setup and changeover
Repeatability
|
|
Machine Definition
Operation sequence
Guarding
Ergonomics
Cycle activation
Frame configuration
Size footprint
Power requirements
Quality/PokaYoke
|
Acceptance Criteria
Runoff requirements
Safety review
PokaYoke verification
Training
Documentation requirements
Project Management
Timeline development
Transportation
Installation
Warranty
Terms
|
[top of page]
4. Justification . This may be a challenge. Management and the project team must be committed to the value of the investment. Companies will vary greatly as to how the justification is measured and how quickly a return on investment is required. Many common areas looked at for justification are: Capacity, efficiency, quality, personnel reduction, safety, sales value, etc.
Note: It is very useful to narrow it down to three of the major issues and put dollar amounts and specific justification to those issues. You can review the documentation after the automation project has been up and running and compare that to your original thinking.
[top of page]
5. Select a supplier . The best supplier is the one that you can trust. Start by calling a few companies in for interviews. Use the Technical Specification (Item 3) as reference and ask the hard questions to determine the experience, capacity, capability and thoroughness of the supplier. Pick the supplier with whom you feel most comfortable.
[top of page]
6. The Contract . The qualified supplier will be able to contribute with ideas and concepts that must be reviewed with the project team. Solidify those ideas into a contract with the supplier. The contract should include your commitments and those of the supplier. The supplier will use your Technical Specifications (Item 3) to develop a contract (proposal) that will address the following.
| a. |
A sign off on all technical descriptions of the system |
| b. |
Production rate of the system |
| c. |
Final part drawings from the customer |
| d. |
Capability to hold tolerances over a period of time |
| e. |
Progress meetings and milestones |
| f. |
Statements regarding noise, safety, and environment |
| g. |
Training for operation and maintenance |
| h. |
Recommended spare parts |
| i. |
Documentation and manuals |
| j. |
Names of selected components |
| k. |
Criteria for acceptance of the system at the supplier. |
| l. |
Criteria for acceptance of the system at your plant |
| m. |
Procedure for handling changes after the order |
| n. |
Warranty and Service policies |
| o. |
Delivery date |
| p. |
Project price |
| q. |
Payment terms |
[top of page]
7. Monitor the project . It is highly advisable that both project managers stay with the project throughout the entire process. Good communication between on all the details is critical throughout the project. The supplier should provide a timeline with all the critical milestones
| a. |
Process planning |
| b. |
Design review of electrical, mechanical, and flood power systems |
| c. |
Purchase parts ordered |
| d. |
Subassembly |
| e. |
Final assembly |
| f. |
Debug time |
| g. |
Runoff at supplier |
| h. |
Runoff at your plant |
| i. |
Training |
| j. |
Installation and startup |
[top of page ]
8. Training. Select the person from the project team that will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the automation system. This key person must take ownership and develop a plan for involving other people from the plant floor and learning as much about the system from the supplier as possible. This is crucial as the transfer of ownership takes place from the supplier to you. The following list should be covered the training process:
| a. |
All operational aspects including setup and changeover procedure |
| b. |
PLC, operator interface, and other system programming |
| c. |
Interlock and safety systems |
| d. |
Trouble shooting and repair service training |
| e. |
Preventive maintenance schedule |
| f. |
Manual and other documentation |
[top of page]
9. Runoff and acceptance at the supplier . The intent is that the system, as designed and as stated in the Technical Specification, will be run off at the supplier's plant and that it meets or exceeds the criteria as agreed upon.
[top of page]
10. Installation, Final acceptance, and Production startup . The acceptance criteria as stated in the contract will be the standard. This can be a critical time since all the planning done previously must come together at this point. It is now time for the person and company who purchased the system to demonstrate their readiness by putting the system into production. This is usually done with the assistance of the supplier. Notwithstanding warranty and service agreement coverage, most suppliers are eager to have the system running smoothly before leaving the plant.
[top of page]
