A new drafter, along with my boss, have suggested an "ECO Modification Form" that would allow us to circulate a review and approval form and then attach whatever change was warranted to the most recent ECO, modifying the electronic bill of material without adding a new revision and ECO number.
For example, the drafter found a 10 year old BOM that is missing the drawing number for the assembly. We would just circulate the modification form, and after review and approval, add the drawing to the BOM electronically and put the most recent change in with the most recent ECO (5 years ago).
Pros (theirs):
Fewer change revisions on electronic BOMs
Less data entry
Cons (mine):
Developing additional documentation and training for a system with definitions of what kind of changes could be made via this method; when:
We already have an robust ECO system, and who cares if a BOM goes to rev AZ over 25 years?
Loss of electronically visible data on when and why changes were made to an electronic BOM.
It just violates my sense of how to control documents. I don't believe adding changes to a five year old ECO is good document control.
Anyway, I am having a hard time defending my position or seeing why theirs is an improvement. Thoughts, pro or con, from the experts, please.
For example, the drafter found a 10 year old BOM that is missing the drawing number for the assembly. We would just circulate the modification form, and after review and approval, add the drawing to the BOM electronically and put the most recent change in with the most recent ECO (5 years ago).
Pros (theirs):
Fewer change revisions on electronic BOMs
Less data entry
Cons (mine):
Developing additional documentation and training for a system with definitions of what kind of changes could be made via this method; when:
We already have an robust ECO system, and who cares if a BOM goes to rev AZ over 25 years?
Loss of electronically visible data on when and why changes were made to an electronic BOM.
It just violates my sense of how to control documents. I don't believe adding changes to a five year old ECO is good document control.
Anyway, I am having a hard time defending my position or seeing why theirs is an improvement. Thoughts, pro or con, from the experts, please.