| 1 | 1a. Provide operational support for computer control programs | 1.1 | Work safely in accordance with the regulations for their work environment |
| 1.2 | Provide operational support within agreed timescales and working arrangements |
| 1.3 | Provide operational support for one of the following: • NC/CNC machine tool programs • PLC programs • robotic applications • co-ordinate measuring applications |
| 1.4 | Provide operational support to two of the following: • machine tool setters • machine tool operators • maintenance personnel • process setters • process operators • design department • quality assurance/inspection personnel • production supervisor/management personnel • other machine tool/equipment programmers • staff contracted in by their organisation • external customers or recent purchasers of products/services |
| 1.5 | Provide operational support for nine of the following: • accessing/downloading data from engineering/computer equipment • loading programs into computer controlled equipment • the operation/formatting of the computer program • interpretation of specifications • understanding of operating procedures • implementing and achieving work schedules • resource requirements • workholding/jigging/fixture arrangements • safety factors (such as collision avoidance) • program efficiency • program errors • machine/equipment capabilities • tooling capabilities • operation of the equipment • equipment operator skill gaps • developing standard operating procedures • work/process quality • the application of specific engineering tools, methods, processes or procedures • interpretation of reports/data (such as in inspection/process reports) |
| 1.6 | Provide operational/programming support, covering issues regarding the following: Either six of the following: • suitability of specified datum point • systems of measurement (such as absolute and incremental, metric or imperial) • material/component parameters • tooling type (such as milling cutters, turning tools, electrodes, wire, laser nozzles, inspection probes) • tooling data/settings (such as number, type, diameter, lengths and offsets, compensation, laser power/focus) • reference/program codes • positional information • cutting/eroding parameters (such as depth of cut, direction, feed in/out) • measuring parameters (such as direction, feed in/out) • preparatory commands and machine management/auxiliary functions • use of repetitive programs (sub-routines, canned cycles, ... |
| 1.7 | ... labels, macros) • tooling path order and sequence • tooling change positions • work-shift position Or six of the following: • use of programming devices (such as terminals, hand-held programmers and personal computers) • use ladder logic, statement lists, or system flowcharts • the forcing of contacts ‘on’ and ‘off’ • editing, and removing contacts from lines of logic • changing counter and timer settings • using ‘on-‘ and ‘off-line’ programming • loading, reading and saving programs • producing back-ups of completed programs • computer based authoring of programs (to include sub-routines) • single step mode of operation |
| 2 | 1b. Provide operational support for computer control programs (continued) | 2.1 | Make sure that operational support is appropriate and based on accurate and current information |
| 2.2 | Carry out all of the following when providing the operational support: • check that all essential information and data needed to support the user of the computer control program is available • check that all information and data to be used is current and up to date • ensure that health and safety regulations and safe working practices are taken into account • ensure that the influence of working conditions on technical performance is taken into account • record and store details of the support provided in the correct formats and in the appropriate company system |
| 2.3 | Obtain feedback on the support provided |
| 2.4 | Produce and maintain records in accordance with organisational requirements |
| 2.5 | Maintain records, using two of the following methods: • written or typed report • electronic mail • computer record • verbal report • specific company form |
| 2.6 | Deal promptly and effectively with problems relating to the provision of operational support |
| 3 | 2a. Know how to provide operational support for computer control programs | 3.1 | Describe the specific safety precautions to be taken when working with programming systems and equipment (to include safety guidance relating to the use of visual display unit (VDU), equipment and work station environment (such as lighting, seating, positioning of equipment), repetitive strain injury (RSI); the dangers of trailing leads and cables; how to spot faulty or dangerous electrical leads, plugs and connections) |
| 3.2 | Describe the specific safety precautions to be taken when working with computer controlled machines and equipment |
| 3.3 | Describe the importance of wearing the protective clothing and equipment when working in hazardous environments (such as engineering workshops and production lines) |
| 3.4 | Describe the good housekeeping arrangements (such as cleaning down work surfaces; putting disks/CDs, manuals and unwanted items of equipment into safe storage; leaving the work area in a safe and tidy condition) |
| 3.5 | Describe the set-up and operation of the programming system, and any peripheral devices that are used during the supporting activity (to include ensuring that peripheral devices are connected correctly) |
| 3.6 | Explain how to power up, log on, log off and activate the computer system and programming software correctly |
| 3.7 | Explain how to access the specific programming software, and the use of manuals and related documents, in order to provide effective programming support and to solve operational problems |
| 3.8 | Describe the importance of protecting the programming system from bugs/viruses, and the implications if the correct procedure is not followed |
| 3.9 | Explain how to create and structure directories and files correctly (such as importing, copying, transferring, exporting deleting, backing up and saving files) |
| 3.10 | Describe the different types of storage media that can be used to save program files |
| 3.11 | Describe the range of areas where they could be required to provide operational support |
| 3.12 | Describe the actions to be taken to resolve program and/or operational issues |
| 3.13 | Describe the factors that will have an impact on the effectiveness of the support provided |
| 4 | 2b. Know how to provide operational support for computer control programs (continued) | 4.1 | Describe the basic operating principles of the equipment using the program |
| 4.2 | Describe the different departments and/or personnel that may require operational support |
| 4.3 | Explain how to determine the nature, level and extent of the operational support required |
| 4.4 | Describe the importance of providing accurate, current, sufficient and timely operational support |
| 4.5 | Describe the importance of obtaining all essential information and data, in order to provide effective operational support |
| 4.6 | Describe the different methods of providing operational support to users of computer controlled programs |
| 4.7 | Explain how to ensure that the operational support provided is understood and implemented |
| 4.8 | Describe the procedure for obtaining feedback on the effectiveness of the support provided |
| 4.9 | Describe the importance of informing all relevant parties of any changes in the set-up and operation of the equipment or program |
| 4.10 | Describe the documentation to be completed, following the supporting activity |
| 4.11 | Describe the typical problems that can occur when providing operational support |
| 4.12 | Describe the extent of their own responsibility and to whom they should report if they have any problems that they cannot resolve |
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