What is the solution to ambiguous geometrical product specifications?
The systematic GPS solution has three fundamental elements.
Isolate functional requirements
The functional requirements shall be captured separately in a master specification. Other drawings, such as manufacturing drawings and measuring instructions are derived from this master specification.
Use a consistent tolerancing procedure
The functional requirements shall be applied to the master specification using a consistent tolerancing procedure. This procedure shall ensure that requirements are applied in a logical sequence that reflects how each component interacts in the product.
Define the standards base
All drawings shall be based on the same set of standards. This minimizes confusion and misinterpretation of drawings by manufacturing, metrology and suppliers.
How do I start?
All successful implementations of systematic GPS have a number of elements in common.
The first is a commitment to change. Recognizing the potential for substantial improvement in product quality, innovation, manufacturing, supplier flexibility and ultimately the bottom line is the motivation behind this commitment at all levels in the organization.
The second is a core group of champions who own the implementation project internally. This group leads and guides the implementation, review designs as the organization gets used to the systematic GPS approach and train shop floor and other personnel who will read the systematic GPS drawings.
The third is the use of outside resources to ensure that the implementation remains true to the stated principles. This includes consulting, mentoring, instruction and workshop leadership.
Successful implementations typically start with a pilot project involving one product or one product family. This allows the organization to gain experience and develop the necessary policies, procedures, support tools and training infrastructure to streamline the process of propagating the implementation to all product families.
Henrik S. Nielsen
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