Meaning
Administrative framework that controls how changes are made to production moulds after they have been commissioned. Tool modification governance ensures that every alteration is documented, approved and tested before the mould returns to the production floor. This prevents the loss of historical data and ensures the part remains within the approved specification.
Change Control
Formal request must outline the reason for the change, such as a design update or a repair. Tool modification governance requires a clear trail of who authorized the work and what the expected outcome was. This prevents unauthorized tinkering by floor technicians that could lead to inconsistent parts.
Validation Protocol
After any work is performed, the tool must go through a mini-qualification to prove it still produces acceptable components. Tool modification governance dictates the number of samples required and the specific dimensions that must be checked. This data is then compared to the original baseline to confirm the change had the intended effect.
Inventory Tracking
System tracks the current state of the steel and any spare parts that may have changed. Tool modification governance keeps the CAD files in sync with the physical reality of the mould. If a tool needs to be duplicated or moved to a new site, the documentation is ready for a seamless transition.
Effective governance protects the capital investment in the tooling.
