Summary
The Quality Management Configuration Workbook is a tool which can help you build forms faster. Knowing the best practices can help you achieve better results within your site.
Tip 1
Reduce Redundant Attributes
When first starting out it’s common for customers to enter every field from a form into their workbook. However – some data points will already exist within your site and will be considered "common attributes". These common attributes are very basic characteristics that could be included on most forms within the data collection program you are building. Some examples of these common attributes are:
- QM Program Name (your form name)
- Plant
- Collection Time
- Technician Name
- Instructions (an area for form instructions)
- Product Identification
Tip 2
Remove Duplicate Attribute Names/Codes Within the Same QM Program
- Problem: Duplicate Attribute Codes or Attribute Names within the same QM program are not supported. In the example above, both the Attribute Code and Attribute Name have been duplicated on the same QM program – this will result in an error.
- Solution: Utilize a numbering scheme that will support these data collection points. In the example above, using 'Product Temperature 1' and 'Product Temperature 2' instead is a good option.
Tip 3
Ensure That BOTH Max & Min Numeric Values Have Been Declared
If you declare a Min (Minimum Acceptable Value), be sure to also indicate a Max (Maximum Acceptable Value), and vice-versa.
Tip 4
Different Data Type for One Attribute to Be Used Across Different QM Programs
- Problem: The attribute 'Appearance' is declared as a text data type, then later declared as a numeric data type on a different QM program – this will result in an error.
- Solution: Once a data type has been established for an attribute, each subsequent reference to this attribute in the config workbook must declare the same data type.
Tip 5
Keep It Short
Instead of building a form with 50-100+ data-collection points, separate the form into individual checks that can be completed with a single checkmark.
- Shorter forms are easier to maintain.
- Shorter forms encourage your users to Save more often. This will reduce the likelihood of a security timeout.
Tip 6
Separate Multi-User Inspections Based on Job Function
If there is a possibility that two or more users will be accessing the same form at the same time within the site, separate the form based on job function within the QM Workbook. Try to avoid scenarios where more than one person will be inputting data on a form at one time.