Software for inspection planning in manufacturing
Sophisticated and systematic - digital inspection planning with Com.IPM
Com.IPM offers a wide range of options for digital inspection planning as well as intelligent features that make it easier for you to record planning data, connect inspection equipment databases and plan measurement processes.
Inspection planning systematically defines what is to be inspected, when, using what methods, and by whom, in order to reliably ensure that the quality requirements for a product or process are met.
Import of inspection plan data from CSV, DFQ and CAD drawings
If no inspection planning data is available in a common format, the software for inspection planning generates the inspection plan manually. By entering the planning data (part type, number of characteristics, …), the program generates the corresponding input matrix. The processes within Com.IPM are based on databases. Defined header data from part type and study information represent the unique key for tracking studies in the system.
In many cases, however, data for inspection planning is already available in common file formats, so that a large part of the data input has already been carried out using import functions (e.g. the DFQ, TXT or CSV import of inspection plan data). If CAD drawings are available, these can also be imported into Com.IPM. Integrated AI algorithms provide automatic recognition of product characteristics from CAD drawings for inspection planning.
The proposed mapping of the part type and characteristic information can be customized in a preview window before it is transferred to Com.IPM inspection planning software. This automated identification of product characteristics saves a tremendous amount of time and, together with the option to adapt the information, helps to avoid errors in inspection planning.
Connecting the inspection equipment database of your choice
Connecting an inspection equipment database is one of the central and essential elements of the software for inspection planning and makes inspection equipment management much easier. Com.IPM has its own inspection equipment database in which measuring devices, measuring equipment and measuring systems can be stored. It is a continuously growing knowledge repository. However, the customer’s existing inspection equipment databases can also be connected to Com.IPM. This means that a large selection of stored measuring devices, measuring equipment and measuring systems is already available for inspection process management.
Another option for connecting an inspection equipment database is the “Public PM DB”. Com.IPM has the option of directly accessing specifications and stored characteristic values of measuring devices. With an intelligent suggestion system, the Com.IPM inspection planning software screens the Public PM DB and suggests suitable measuring devices, measuring equipment or measuring systems for planning the inspection process.
Advantages of automated measurement process planning - step by step through the planning process
Planning the measurement process in production requires interdisciplinary cooperation with team members from all responsible or necessary areas in the company. Specific knowledge (function of the part, properties of the production process, environmental conditions, planned measurement concept, …) must be available in the team.
Planning the measurement process is an essential part of inspection process management and an important aspect of production planning and control. ComPro’s software for inspection planning in manufacturing supports users in a targeted, reliable and intuitive manner by guiding them step by step through the entire planning process.
The software queries and stores information in topic-specific areas in Com.IPM. Accompanying additional documents (e.g. for the measurement concept, etc.) can also be stored.
Based on the description, the measurement process is analyzed in terms of the expected influences. The analysis is carried out using the Ishikawa diagram, in which the important and relevant influence quantities are recorded and evaluated. You may freely define, structure and visualize the categories and causes.
VDA Volume 5 and inspection planning
VDA Volume 5 places focuses on inspection process planning, and does so deliberately at an early stage: as early as the development phase, during the verification and validation of specific characteristics. Those who do not view inspection processes in isolation, but understand them as part of a comprehensive management system, lay the foundations for robust, risk-based quality assurance. VDA 5 provides the methodological framework for this, including clearly defined roles, responsibilities and guidelines for stability-related monitoring.
The practical benefits of digital inspection planning
- Faster creation of inspection plans
Templates and automatic data transfer significantly reduce the time and effort required for planning. - Less effort, fewer errors
Information is entered once and used across the system, without duplication of effort or erroneous multiple entries. - Full transparency throughout the inspection process
Instructions, additional information and drawings are included directly in the plan.
How this relates to VDA Volume 5
Software-based inspection planning specifically supports the requirements of VDA 5: the required traceability, as well as the systematic analysis of inspection process capability and measurement uncertainty, can be implemented much more easily using digital tools. Inspection processes are not only planned, but also continuously monitored and fully documented.
In practice, this means that inspection planners can use VDA 5 to justify when proof of capability is required, how inspection processes should be validated in line with risk assessment, and how to deal with measurement or inspection processes that are not capable. This reduces the probability of making incorrect decisions and ensures that inspection planning is more closely aligned with product and process risks.
Good results through proper planning
Do you require assistance with inspection planning in production or want to make your planning processes more efficient? Do you have questions about importing inspection data into the software? Contact us now. Contact us
