Related Topics:
	Sync Options for PFD Worksheets

PFD Worksheets (Process Flow Diagrams)

In RCM++, there are two kinds of process flow diagrams (PFDs): a graphical process flow diagram, which is a high level chart of a process; and a PFD worksheet, which integrates the chart into a worksheet that records more detailed information about what the product goes through in each step of the manufacturing or assembly process. This includes the processing of individual components, transportation of materials, storage, etc. Also recorded are descriptions of the process and product characteristics that are affected in each step of the process, how these characteristics are controlled and what needs to be achieved at each step. For example, a process characteristic may be the temperature range for wax that will be sprayed onto the finished vehicle and a product characteristic may be the required wax thickness.

To add a PFD worksheet, select an item in the System panel then choose Insert > Other > Add PFD Worksheet.

The PFD worksheet will open in the Analysis panel. In addition, the PFD worksheet icon will appear in the corresponding column in the System Hierarchy tab of the System panel if that column has been selected for display on your computer. (To hide or display columns, right-click the column headers in the System panel, then click Customize Columns to select which columns you want to display. These settings are stored per computer/username in the System Hierarchy page of the Application Setup, so any project that you open on this computer will have the same columns displayed.)

What's Changed? In previous versions of the software, the PFD worksheet icon was used to identify graphical process flow diagrams. In the Synthesis version, the diagram uses the icon.

Setting up a PFD Worksheet

The PFD worksheet contains two tabs: a Header tab and a Worksheet tab. Use the Header tab to enter general information about the entire analysis, and use the Worksheet tab to enter descriptions about the process steps and the characteristics of the product.

You may also use PFD worksheets as starting points for preparing process FMEAs (PFMEAs) and control plans. For example, in the PFMEA, you evaluate each step in the process as defined by the PFD worksheet, making sure to consider the critical characteristics that have already been identified. In turn, the critical characteristics that were determined from the PFD worksheet and PFMEA form the basis for creating a control plan, which puts checks in place to ensure that the desired product characteristics stay in the required range during the entire process. Put very simply, the PFD worksheet defines the process, the PFMEA looks for ways to prevent or mitigate risk in the process and the control plan records the strategy for controlling the critical characteristics that have been identified. For an example on how to use the data from a PFD worksheet in a PFMEA or control plan, see Sync Options for PFD Worksheets.