more... (=> 2.2)2 Publications
2.1 2006-04-20 Tecom Forum in Rapperswill
2.2 2004-11-08 All you ever wanted to know about spares
2.3 2004-04-06: From the Spare Parts Catalog to Integrated Documentation
2.3.1 New media pose new challenges
2.3.2 The master data must be correct
2.3.3 The electronic Spare Parts Catalog
2.3.4 Integration of the other documentation
2.3.5 Finding comprehensive information
2.3.6 SPCat parts catalog
2.4 2003-11-28 Introduction of DocuCat at Unaxis Displays
2.4.1 Data processing
2.4.2 Graphic User Interface (GUI)
2.4.3 How to select information units
2.4.4 Conclusion
Oriano Nicoletti, Product Manager Customer Support Parts, Unaxis Data Storage about the application of DocuCat in Unaxis Tracks, Issue 7, 2004
Launched a few months ago, to coincide with the introduction of the revamped Metallizers, Unaxis' Electronic Spare Part Catalogue will become a standard addition to the company's ever growing range of products and services.
Delivered on a comprehensive disc, the tool can be installed on your hard
disk, or accessed directly from the CD. Once opened, users will find themselves
in familiar territory as the software is based on Windows and features
Microsoft's well known drop-down menus. The tool however, is specific to the
machine with which it is delivered and the first page that appears on the screen
reflects this with system, project, and serial numbers being displayed.
more... (=> 2.2)
Technische
Rundschau[1], Issue 24, 2003
Every machine may break one day. In most cases this is an unexpected event, as
predicted by Murphy's law. Now it becomes crucial if the correct diagnosis can
be made and if broken parts can be replaced. Information that helps solving the
problem must be available immediately.
Ability and availability are closely related to knowledge. When pressed for
time, even well-trained service engineers must rely on additional information:
Which component, where, in which assembly? Why did it break, was it to be
expected? What is a tried and tested method for replacement avoiding residual
dangers? Is it a purchase article and available? Where and how to order?
Feedback to the manufacturer? Assisted by good software which contains hyperlinks
between all the required information you will be able to solve any problem
quickly and in a safe way.
more... (=> 2.3)
Unaxis (www.unaxis.com[2]) is a globally active leading provider of production systems, components and services in the field of information technology. Unaxis' activities comprise the Information Technology segment (production systems for semiconductors, displays, data storage and optical components), Surface Technology, and Components and Special Systems. The "Unaxis Displays" division develops systems and thin film coating processes for making Flat Panel Displays used in laptops, televisions, mobile phones and PDAs.
These are highly complex systems which require a high-quality after sales
support in order to minimize the downtime. Prompt supply with spare parts and a
high-quality and up-to-date documentation are essential for this. The
documentation coming with a Unaxis Displays system comprises a spare parts
catalog, circuit diagrams, various operating instructions, the entire OEM
documentation and further documents such as conformity declarations etc. The
printed paper version may contain several 1000 pages in the DIN A4 format and
weigh up to 100 kg. The extent of the documentation already makes it difficult
for service technicians and customers to find any required information quickly.
At the same time, the logistic problem of keeping the system documentation
up-to-date crops up.
more... (=> 2.4)
| [1] | http://www.technische-rundschau.ch | |
| [2] | http://www.unaxis.com |
(PDF-Datei 0,5 MB)
Launched a few months ago, to coincide with the introduction of the revamped Metallizers, Unaxis'[2] Electronic Spare Part Catalogue will become a standard addition to the company's ever growing range of products and services.
Delivered on a comprehensive disc, the tool can be installed on your hard disk, or accessed directly from the CD. Once opened, users will find themselves in familiar territory as the software is based on Windows and features Microsoft's well known drop-down menus. The tool however, is specific to the machine with which it is delivered and the first page that appears on the screen reflects this with system, project, and serial numbers being displayed.
|
 |
| [1] | http://www.spcat.com/news/20030414.html | |
| [2] | http://www.unaxis.com |
Gaston Pfister, Artech Trading Ltd., Vaduz (FL)
Every machine may break one day. In most cases this is an unexpected event, as predicted by Murphy's law. Now it becomes crucial if the correct diagnosis can be made and if broken parts can be replaced. Information that helps solving the problem must be available immediately.
Ability and availability are closely related to knowledge. When pressed for time, even well-trained service engineers must rely on additional information: Which component, where, in which assembly? Why did it break, was this to be expected? What is a tried and tested method for replacement avoiding residual dangers? Is it a purchase article and available? Where and how to order? Feedback to the manufacturer? Assisted by good software which contains hyperlinks between all the required information you will be able to solve any problem quickly and in a safe way.
Mail BoxArtech Trading Limited |
continue with part 2: New media pose new challenges (=> 2.3.1)
| [1] | http://www.artech.li | |
| [2] | mailto:gaston.pfister@artech.li |
Fortunately, the days are gone when product documentation was only available in print. The benefits and possibilities of electronic media are known and appreciated today, in particular the use of hyperlinks: Effortlessly we click our way through documents, via the Intranet to the Internet and vice versa. But the wealth of information also has its downside. The old proverb «In der Beschränkung zeigt sich der Meister» (a master craftsman is able to restrict himself) holds true for the editorial office. If writers realize that important decisions are already made in the engineering shop and that various departments and sections need specific information, they are confronted with a new challenge that is called: Integrated Documentation.
The technical writer tries to figure out which target group requires what kind of information (where, how and in which language), and how this information can be put together automatically, kept up-to-date, and then be accessed by means of a computer screen. The writer also needs to know all the information sources and the experts, and how feedback can be obtained. Teamwork helps you to concentrate on the essential topics and to discard the ones that are irrelevant. This means that golden rules must be applied to the required processing steps and work flows. The most important rule is that a clear nomenclature and structure must be used for components of an assembly. Rumor has it that this rule is not followed strictly in many cases.
continue with part 3: The master data must be correct (=> 2.3.2)
If engineering drawings and parts lists have been stored in the in-house ERP system (e.g. SAP, Oracle) using strict rules, pictures and data can be processed automatically for various publications. They may, for example, be processed by an interface and then inserted into the spare parts catalog for the product.
continue with part 4: The
electronic Spare Parts Catalog (=> 2.3.3)
The main features of a good electronic catalog are a clear arrangement, ease of use, and instant display of text and images even for large amounts of data. Fully automated conversion of all data should be possible. Stepless zoom of parts shown in an image (SVG format) and the ability to customize the catalog are also in demand as well as editable fields for reports and «parts history». Comprehensive documentation, convenient help and edit functions with password protection, and menus in various user languages complement the profile of a modern product.
continue with part 5: Integration of the other documentation (=> 2.3.4)
After the spare parts catalog has been used to locate, identify and order a component or assembly, new questions will arise. For example, why the component broke, how to dismount, replace and adjust it in a safe way, and what other components may also be affected etc. The chapters «Design and Function», «Operation», «Maintenance» or «Service» of operating instructions that are in compliance with the standards should deal with these topics in detail. Because a system generally also includes third-party components, the related OEM manuals (OEM = original equipment manufacturer) are also part of the system documentation as well as the often indispensable wiring diagrams, service reports, conformity declarations and manufacturer declarations.
In the days when only printed documentation was available, ring binders and folders piled up and often did not stay together as a unit. They started to «disperse». A nuisance. But even in the time of electronic documentation, spare parts catalogs, operating instructions and diagrams are often shipped individually without any apparent coherence. They often differ in style and they lack consistency. These documents are joined by OEM manuals. The question if the information is complete and up-to-date cannot be answered. This may turn out to be a serious drawback, especially in case of large and complex systems.
continue with part 6: Finding comprehensive information (=> 2.3.5)
The benefits of integrated documentation as an additional module to the spare parts catalog are evident in the case of the service engineer. He/she makes a diagnosis, reads up on functions and operation, finds components and the related information, and installs spare parts in compliance with the safety regulations. The service engineer obtains all the necessary information from a single user interface, without the need to switch to other programs or files.
This method allows you to set hyperlinks for the operating instructions freely and without restrictions. In the case of OEM manuals (usually in PDF format), the preferred solution is to jump to the related table of contents. General documents such as the specifications and acceptance reports can be linked in the same way. For wiring diagrams, the electrical path can be entered as a target.
Is integrated documentation affordable? Maybe we should ask another question: Can we afford the hassle of the status quo? In most cases we know about it but we don't care. The simple excuse «it has always be done this way» has always cost a lot of money. An honest calculation argues in favor of a system that is based on data economy and order.
continue with part 7:
SPCat parts catalog (=> 2.3.6)
The electronic parts catalog SPCat has been developed by CPTec GmbH in Munich and contains a large number of features for practical use. As an example, users appreciate the ability to compare and edit the data of components and assemblies in various languages. Afterwards, the result can be played back to the in-house master data with just a few mouse clicks. This feature is often missing in other products, and expensive programming is required to add it.
The term SPCat stands for Spare Parts Catalog. The software has originally been designed for spare parts. However, it can be configured to handle and differentiate between any kind of «parts» that are related to a product (non-spare parts, OEM/third-party parts, standard and optional accessories, consumables, special parts etc.) The software runs under Windows 98, NT, 2000 und XP. The current version number is 6.5b. A demo version can be downloaded at www.spcat.de[1]. The software is used by Unaxis Balzers AG in Trübbach (Switzerland) and by Leybold Optics Balzers in Liechtenstein.
Gaston Pfister, Vice CEO Artech Trading Limited, Vaduz, FL
This article has been published in the journal Technische Rundschau[2], Issue 24, 2003. A PDF file of the article can be downloaded here.
| [1] | http://www.spcat.de | |
| [2] | http://www.technische-rundschau.ch |
Detlev Koch, Unaxis Balzers AG, Balzers (FL)
Dr. Günter Ratz, CPTec GmbH, München (D)
Unaxis[1] is a globally active leading provider of production systems, components and services in the field of information technology. Unaxis' activities comprise the Information Technology segment (production systems for semiconductors, displays, data storage and optical components), Surface Technology, and Components and Special Systems. The "Unaxis Displays" division develops systems and thin film coating processes for making Flat Panel Displays used in laptops, televisions, mobile phones and PDAs.
These are highly complex systems which require a high-quality after sales support in order to minimize the downtime. Prompt supply with spare parts and a high-quality and up-to-date documentation are essential for this. The documentation coming with a Unaxis Displays system comprises a spare parts catalog, circuit diagrams, various operating instructions, the entire OEM documentation and further documents such as conformity declarations etc. The printed paper version may contain several 1000 pages in the DIN A4 format and weigh up to 100 kg. The extent of the documentation already makes it difficult for service technicians and customers to find any required information quickly. At the same time, the logistic problem of keeping the system documentation up-to-date crops up.
In order to improve this situation, the "Integrated Documentation" project was started in the fall of 2002. Our goal was to place the entire documentation of a system in a convenient manner (on CD or via Internet) at the disposal of Unaxis Displays service technicians and customers. Special attention should be paid to the linking of important information which is required again and again during maintenance and service work.
The project derived benefit from the fact that Unaxis has been shipping electronic versions of operating instructions and spare parts catalogs to a number of customers for several years. The required internal processes and the software had been developed by CPTec GmbH. To be consistent, the same company was hired in order to extend the existing spare parts catalog solution to an overall solution named "DocuCat".
continue
with part 2: Data processing (=> 2.4.1)
| [1] | http://www.unaxis.com |
DocuCat's editorial system is the central component for data processing.
Spare parts catalogs are created automatically by importing parts lists and drawings from SAP/R3. The editorial system allows you to edit the catalog afterwards if necessary.
An editor in the editorial system allows to create service instructions for a spare part. Service instructions describe preventive maintenance work which has to be performed by the system personnel on a regular basis in order to minimize the downtime.
FrameMaker is used for writing operating instructions. At this stage, the technical writer inserts markers into the document. These markers are specified by the editorial system and create links to service instructions. Afterwards, the FrameMaker project is converted to HTML via WebWorks Publisher and then imported into DocuCat.
DocuCat automatically inserts OEM manuals and links them with the spare parts catalog data by importing the PDF files and the parts information retrieved from SAP/R3. At the same time, a link to the service instructions is created indirectly via the spare parts catalog.
General documents in any file format (e.g. conformity declarations, specifications, protocols etc.) can be added to the system documentation by the technical writer.
continue
with part 3: Graphic User Interface (GUI) (=> 2.4.2)
Clarity and ease of use are essential for a GUI which is used for presenting various types of documents based on different designs and structures. For these reasons, the familiar SPCat user interface which has been accepted well by Unaxis customers has been developed further.
Various types of documents and their individual information units are presented using a tree structure ("treeview"). The underlying user information is displayed to the right of the treeview in one or more windows.
In spare parts catalogs, the treeview illustrates the hierarchy of the parts in the system. Different symbols are used for assemblies and for individual parts. The position numbers in assembly drawings are linked to the related spare parts ("hot spots"). Maintenance task information is listed in the treeview with respect to the interval groups. In the case of operating instructions, the treeview illustrates the chapter structure. OEM manuals are listed with respect to the manufacturer and to the product name.
continue
with part 4: How to select information units (=> 2.4.3)
If the product data have been processed properly, the design of the GUI allows to find any required information quickly:
Letztere Möglichkeit stellt sowohl für den Kunden als auch für den Serviceingenieur einen entscheidenden Mehrwert im Vergleich zu konventionellen Dokumentationslösungen dar: Mit nur wenigen Mausklicks kann er zu einem bestimmten Thema (z.B. einem Wartungsvorgang) alle verknüpften Informationen abrufen.
continue
with part 5: Conclusion (=> 2.4.4)
The latter method is a significant benefit for both the end user and the service engineer when compared with other documentation solutions: With only a few mouse clicks, the entire information linked to a particular topic (e.g. a maintenance task) can be called up.
The CD version of DocuCat is a pilot project which has been running for 6 months. It has been welcomed with open arms by Unaxis Displays customers. In addition to the CD version, the entire information will also be available via an Internet platform. In the latter case, a complex company structure may be present above the actual system documentation. Each user has access to information which has been cleared for him or her, and it is also possible to create user-specific views in the treeview.
New features are currently being added to DocuCat. These features have been requested by service personnel and by customers and will support maintenance and service tasks with additional information:
For further information on SPCat and SQLCat visit our website www.spcat.com[1].
| [1] | http://www.spcat.com |