Creating Characteristics

A supplier manufactures a part according to specifications which contain quality characteristics about the part. When a part arrives at the manufacturing facility from the supplier, certain characteristics may be inspected to ensure that the part is conforming to specifications. Characteristics contain attributes, variables, and checklists. Attributes and variables are specific to the part. Checklist characteristics are those items that may apply to the entire sample selection.

Attribute - An attribute is a characteristic that does not require a specific measurement, such as, was the plastic clear enough to see through? Attributes require a Pass/Fail response.
Variable - A variable is a characteristic that requires a specific measurement, such as, length, diameter, or radius of a part. A variable requires capturing the measurement which must then be within a specified tolerance and also a Pass/Fail response.
Checklist - Checklists are characteristics that may apply to the entire sample selection, such as, was the part correctly packaged in a foam encasement? Checklists require a Pass/Fail response.

From the SmartSolve Portal Page, click the Home tab.
In the Setup and Policy section, click Setup.
In the Product section, click Characteristic.
Result: The Characteristics window is displayed.
Click the Add New Record link at the top of the window.
Result: The Characteristic entry window is displayed.

Enter the information in the following fields:

Field	Description
Characteristic*	Enter the name of the characteristic.
Category*	Click the drop down button and select the category to which a characteristic belongs, such as SAFETY or MECHANICAL. For additional information on configuration, see Failure Mode Categories.
Severity*	Click the drop down button and select a severity. For additional information on configuration, see Severities.
Description	Enter the description of the characteristic.

Click the Save button.

NOTE: Characteristics tied to parts cannot be deleted from master setup.