Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the application of the required skills and knowledge to reduce waste in the manufacturing processes.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the automotive and related component manufacturing environment and involves application of skills and knowledge at a specialist  level. These skills and knowledge are to be used within the scope of the person's job and authority.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify opportunities for reducing waste

1.1. Potentially inefficient production processes  are identified

1.2. The total wastes  for the identified processes are calculated

1.3. High waste processes and non-value added or low value added processes are identified

2. Assist in planning waste reduction

2.1. Opportunities for reducing wastes in work processes  are identified

2.2. Proposed changes are documented and endorsement for change sought

3. Support implementing waste reduction plan

3.1. Implementation of new processes are supported

3.2. Wastes following implementation of the changes are recorded

4. Document and report changes to processes

4.1. Endorsed changes are documents

4.2. Information concerning endorsed changes is distributed appropriately

4.3. Validation of the new processes is supported

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills 

• speak clearly and directly
• apply teamwork to a range of situations
• solve problems particularly in teams paying attention to performance indicators to reflect changed circumstances
• show initiative in adapting to changing work conditions or contexts particularly when working across a variety of work areas
• access, interpret and apply information on relevant organisation policies, procedures and instructions
• manage time when planning, preparing and organising work priorities
• take responsibility for organising own work priorities.

Required knowledge 

• relevant Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice and organisation policies and procedures needed to carry out work in a manner which ensures the safety of people, equipment and the environment.
• organisational supply/replenishment systems and processes for materials, equipment and tools
• quality systems and performance measures
• established communication channels and protocols
• problem identification and resolution
• procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of organisation records and information.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices and organisation policies and procedures for reducing waste
• working and communicating effectively and positively with others involved in the work
• applying, within authority, the requirements of the job or work role in relation to:

• selecting the appropriate performance measures
• accurately documenting and reporting findings
• achieving work quality goals
• completing work area housekeeping requirements

• modify activities to cater for variations in organisation context and environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• assessment of the competency should take place in a safe working environment in a passenger motor vehicle manufacturing plant or simulated environment using tools/equipment/machinery required for the production process without undue disruption to the production process
• assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of organisation 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 its 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 able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.

Production processes  may include:

• supply processes
• documentation and record keeping activities as well as the actual production processes such as work station setup time.

Waste  may include:

• reduction in non-value adding activities and resources incurred in meeting the requirements of the customer. Waste includes all the costs associated with failures, appraisals, and surpluses. Pure waste consists of those activities and related expenses that are totally unnecessary, such as scrap and re-work. Hidden waste comprises those costs associated with the activities that do not add value, such as inspection and storage. These wasteful activities are sometimes necessary because of existing operating conditions and strategies. Waste can be found in failures, appraisals, task and surpluses. Identifying and eliminating waste are seen as the backbone of continuous improvement systems.

Measuring and recording waste  may include:

• tallying the number of production item rejects; reduce this figure and waste is reduced (costs saved, production time for passed finished product reduced, production targets met more quickly, etc).

Unit sector 

Automotive Manufacturing

Competency field 

Passenger Motor Vehicle

Co-requisite units 

Nil