From: ISO Standards Discussion
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2000 10:35:37 -0500
Subject: Re: Training Manuals /Bartschenfeld/Scalies
From: "Charley Scalies"
> Bob Bartschenfeld asks:
> Our company is working on developing training manuals for workstations
> (i.e.: extrusion). These manuals are to be provided for each employee's use
> during training. We would like to be able to keep this as general as
> possible (no revision controls) yet we need to be able to reference
> controlled procedures.
>
> How have you folks addressed this issue of using training manuals that are
> not controlled without losing track of the specific procedural requirements.
>
> For example, we would like to ensure that all extrusion operators follow a
> prescribed procedure for cleaning out the extruder, but if this procedure is
> in the training manual and a change is made, not all operators will get the
> change. The other issue is that we want the manual and instructions to be
> easy for the trainee to carry around with them, so they use it.
>
> We are trying to get our system as paperless as possible (other than the
> training manuals). Even the training manuals have the potential to be
> paperless. Each operator has a computer at their workstation.
>
> Are there any suggestions on how to deal with this control issue?
Sounds to me like your training manuals are really to be used to a large degree as work instructions or workmanship standards, in which case they need to be controlled.
That does not mean, however, that every trainee needs to personally have one. You might have centralized, easy to reach paper copies - that reduces the number of pieces of paper that need to be controlled, or, as you indicated, they could be published and accessed electronically. Either way, it's important to remember that controlling information is more than knowing who has what information, but, more importantly, ensuring they know which is the correct information to use. So if you go paperless, be sure you have a system whereby the operators are informed or otherwise made aware that a requirement has changed.
Document control requirements can be summed up in 2 words. "Right There" They have to be Right AND Right There (i.e. readily available) If you do that, you have a system that works. If you don't, you don't.
You may have noticed that the new draft standard mandates fewer documented procedures. That, IMHO, is really a recognition that not all requirements are procedural in nature and that training plays a large part in what and how people are supposed to perform tasks. That should not be construed to mean that those requirements need not be documented. If it's important enough to do, then its important enough to document - and therefore control. For example, you might decide that machine operators have a demonstrated ability to safely and properly operate the particular machine and know, for example, how to make a raw bar of steel look like the finished print. (I couldn't imagine otherwise). That qualification requirement needs to be documented and controlled. The final call is always yours.
You need to find the most effective and cost efficient method that works for you.
Charley
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2000 10:35:37 -0500
Subject: Re: Training Manuals /Bartschenfeld/Scalies
From: "Charley Scalies"
> Bob Bartschenfeld asks:
> Our company is working on developing training manuals for workstations
> (i.e.: extrusion). These manuals are to be provided for each employee's use
> during training. We would like to be able to keep this as general as
> possible (no revision controls) yet we need to be able to reference
> controlled procedures.
>
> How have you folks addressed this issue of using training manuals that are
> not controlled without losing track of the specific procedural requirements.
>
> For example, we would like to ensure that all extrusion operators follow a
> prescribed procedure for cleaning out the extruder, but if this procedure is
> in the training manual and a change is made, not all operators will get the
> change. The other issue is that we want the manual and instructions to be
> easy for the trainee to carry around with them, so they use it.
>
> We are trying to get our system as paperless as possible (other than the
> training manuals). Even the training manuals have the potential to be
> paperless. Each operator has a computer at their workstation.
>
> Are there any suggestions on how to deal with this control issue?
Sounds to me like your training manuals are really to be used to a large degree as work instructions or workmanship standards, in which case they need to be controlled.
That does not mean, however, that every trainee needs to personally have one. You might have centralized, easy to reach paper copies - that reduces the number of pieces of paper that need to be controlled, or, as you indicated, they could be published and accessed electronically. Either way, it's important to remember that controlling information is more than knowing who has what information, but, more importantly, ensuring they know which is the correct information to use. So if you go paperless, be sure you have a system whereby the operators are informed or otherwise made aware that a requirement has changed.
Document control requirements can be summed up in 2 words. "Right There" They have to be Right AND Right There (i.e. readily available) If you do that, you have a system that works. If you don't, you don't.
You may have noticed that the new draft standard mandates fewer documented procedures. That, IMHO, is really a recognition that not all requirements are procedural in nature and that training plays a large part in what and how people are supposed to perform tasks. That should not be construed to mean that those requirements need not be documented. If it's important enough to do, then its important enough to document - and therefore control. For example, you might decide that machine operators have a demonstrated ability to safely and properly operate the particular machine and know, for example, how to make a raw bar of steel look like the finished print. (I couldn't imagine otherwise). That qualification requirement needs to be documented and controlled. The final call is always yours.
You need to find the most effective and cost efficient method that works for you.
Charley