Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Mechatronic engineering analysis

Mechatronic engineering analysis may be required for a variety of reasons, including:
design of automated devices and plant
design or evaluation of significant modifications, process changes or improvements
sustainability issues relevant to plant, equipment or processes
fitness for purpose evaluation
installation and commissioning of plant and equipment
Planning processes
Planning processes may include:
establishing design parameters and design criteria
contributing to the negotiation and advice process
preliminary planning, design investigations and costing
identifying design, development, prototyping activities and skills requirements
planning and scheduling design activities
improving, adjusting and rescheduling as required by emergency contingencies and constraints
Analysis process
Designing as a systematic process includes:
establish design parameters and criteria
research, measurement, experimentation and investigation
generating ideas
synthesis, problem solving and decision making, and addressing constraints
apply scientific principles, calculation and graphics, prototyping and mock-up techniques
evaluating solutions against design criteria
consultation, adjustments and agreement
finalise design and sign-off
Analysis criteria
Analysis includes relevant technical criteria and may also include criteria relating to:
function
aesthetics
manufacturability and maintainability
marketability
sustainability
cost constraints
ergonomics and anthropometrics and physiology
manufacturability, maintainability
facilities, plant and skills available
safety and risk
Sustainability
Sustainability is used to mean the entire sustainable performance of the organisation/plant, including:
meeting all regulatory requirements
conforming to all industry covenants, protocols and best practice guides
minimising ecological and environmental footprint of process, plant and product
maximising economic benefit of process plant and product to the organisation and the community
minimising the negative WHS impact on employees, community and customer
Life cycle assessment
Life cycle analysis can be used to improve sustainability of products and services. It may be applied to:
all aspects of manufacture of a single product
the entire operations of an organisation
a particular aspect of operations, such as environmental implications
Prototyping
Prototyping may include:
mock-ups, physical and virtual modelling with post-processing for computer numeric control (CNC) and rapid prototyping
Appropriate licensed technical and professional assistance
Appropriate licensed technical and professional assistance may include:
technical support and advice relating to elements which have intrinsic dangers, such as:
high pressure
energised fluid vessels
high temperatures and heat energy capacity
wiring with high current control voltages above extra low voltage
professional support for technologies, such as:
specialist electric motor drives and controllers
specialist materials, plastics, metal alloys and nano materials
special processes, foundry, alloy welding, heat treatment, sealing and fastening
WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures may include:
WHS Acts and regulations
relevant standards
codes of practice from Australian and overseas engineering and technical associations and societies
risk assessments
registration requirements
safe work practices
state and territory regulatory requirements
Standards and codes

Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to a particular mechatronic analysis task
Systems thinking

Systems thinking refers to the conduct of engineering work in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of how the interaction of different technical systems on equipment, machinery or structures, as well as the skills and techniques of personnel, combine to perform or support engineering-related operations, processes or projects. It embraces determining or establishing how the function of each technical system or component, as well as the skills and techniques of personnel, effects or potentially may effect outcomes. Systems should be interpreted broadly within the context of the organisation and depending on the project or operation can include equipment, related facilities, material, software, internal services and personnel, and other organisations in the value chain
Automation safety
Automation safetyrefers to the reliance on emergency stop, failsafe design, redundancy, interlocks and data integrity. Standards apply to general plant design and use as well as the ‘functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems’
Mechatronic hardware
Mechatronic hardware may include:
mechanical, fluid and electric actuators
power transmission devices
pipes, conduits wires, fittings and connectors
controllers
power interfaces
signal conditioning interfaces
Documentation
Documentation includes:
documented calculations
specifications
CAD files
risk analysis
sustainability and life cycle assessments

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 mechatronic design techniques consistent with a design brief information, relevant standards and conventions.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
communicate, negotiate and review design brief with stakeholders and team or support functional group
determine or confirm relevant scientific principles and analysis techniques, WHS and regulatory requirements
evaluate multiple solutions
investigate life cycle design and sustainability
plan, schedule and coordinate the design task
integrate mechatronic techniques, hardware and software
solve problems and make decisions with systems thinking for contingencies and constraints, and continuous improvement
define analysis, specify and document and apply graphical techniques, modelling, mock-up or prototyping techniques
create and maintain adequate and accurate calculations and design process records
report and document results and processes.
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, then a simulated working environment 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.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.