Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Total Quality Management (TQM)
A customer driven amalgamation of quality assurance, quality control and quality improvement
Tools of TQM
Flow charts, Pareto, Ishikawa (cause and effect), Process Capability Analysis, Sampling and Control Charting, Run Charts, Correlation Analysis.
Kaizen as applied to engineering
Gradual and continual improvement to products, processes, systems and services.
Competitive (lean) Manufacturing Principles and Techniques
Includes sequential and cellular manufacture and assembly with multi-skilling of work-teams, work-place improvement, Total Quality Management including use of TQM tools, Just In Time (JIT), Group Technology (GT), quick change-over, process and productivity improvement, cost reduction, supply and demand chain management, quality optimisation, design for reliability, optimum maintenance, computer managed maintenance.
Resources, skills, knowledge and techniques for engineering applications.
Human resources, software, test and analysis equipment, materials, components and systems, support structures, power supply, methods and processes, principles and techniques, control, data collection and supervisory systems. Technique includes those required to select, manufacture, install, commission, test and maintain components and systems.
Mechatronic engineering
Mechatronics is usually defined as the integration of mechanical, electronics, programming, electrical and fluid power in an engineering product. The definition of Mechatronics is here broadened to include general automation.
Mechatronics engineering is concerned with the conceptual development, research, design, manufacture and/or implementation and/or installation, commissioning and maintenance of automated products, processes, systems or services for converting energy into power and motion, materials into product and components into machines and systems for domestic, commercial, industrial, civil, entertainment, medical or military applications.
Components and systems
Pumps and pumping equipment, system control equipment, heating equipment, pollution control / waste processing equipment, heat exchangers, materials processing equipment, HVAC equipment, product moulding equipment, refrigeration equipment, product forming equipment, hydraulic equipment, welding , fastening and bonding equipment, pneumatic equipment, materials handling equipment, electrical equipment, transportation vehicles and equipment, system monitoring equipment, packaging equipment, sensors and transducers, controllers, interfaces
Sources of information
Manufacturer catalogues, websites, texts and technical journals, use of phone, email and fax information gathering. Information sought includes human resources, software, test and analysis equipment, materials, components and systems, support structures, power supply, methods and processes, principles and techniques, control and supervisory systems.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply mechatronics fundamentals to support design and development of projects for a range of engineering applications. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with applying mechatronics fundamentals to support design and development of projects or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment