This unit applies to operating and programming computers &/or controllers in industrial situations. It includes operating computer/controller hardware and software for engineering tasks; developing or customising computer/controller systems or programs.

This unit only has application in qualifications that are not points based.

Band: 0

Unit Weight: 0

Path 1

MEM16008A

Interact with computing technology

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Operate a computer and/or controller system

1.1. Operate a range of hardware to complete engineering tasks.

1.2. Use appropriate software to produce required outcomes.

1.3. Identify and use available sources of help to overcome basic difficulties with applications. Ensure technical instructions are followed and inconsistencies and technical difficulties investigated and resolved. This should include adherence to occupational health and safety regulations / guidelines.

2. Develop/customise computer and/or controller systems/programs

2.1. Work plan for the programming/customising task is prepared in accordance with organizational guidelines.

2.2. Programs are written/altered/customised in the required format and computer language. Develop and maintain client engagement with project or task.

2.3. Program/system records are maintained and made available to all interested parties following company procedures.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

completing tasks using selected hardware in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and to workplace procedures

using CPU, I/O, peripherals, interfaces, actuators and other computer/controller equipment

accessing and using appropriate software in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to complete task requirements

saving and storing documents and other computer/controller files are in an appropriate directory in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures

identifying and analysing difficulties using appropriate help sources

preparing work plans for programming/customising task

writing/altering/customising programs

testing and amending programs

maintaining records

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

functions and operating procedures of CPU, I/O, peripherals, interfaces, actuators and other computer/controller equipment

applications of available hardware and criteria for selecting the hardware for particular tasks

procedures for operating hardware

procedures for checking and replacing hardware consumables

available software and their applications

procedures and commands for the use of identified software

procedures and related requirements for saving and storing documents and computer/controller files

techniques for accessing, transferring, printing documents or other computer files or using computer files to control plant and equipment

techniques for accessing and using manuals and training booklets to solve minor problems

procedures for accessing sources of help

techniques for accessing help with typical difficulties with selected applications

typical programming/customising sequencing and related issues

techniques and procedures for preparing a work plan for a programming/customising task

techniques and procedures for writing/customising programs in specified formats and computer language

techniques and procedures for testing and amending programs

procedures for checking program alteration with users

procedures for maintaining records and reports on program/system development or enhancement

procedures for disseminating information on program/system development

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to operate and program computers and/or controllers in engineering situations. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with operating and programming computers and/or controllers in engineering situations or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with applying calculus in engineering situations or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Hardware

Personal computers, networked systems, personal organisers, communications equipment, PLC and microprocessor controllers, computer controlled machinery and systems, etc.

Tasks

To be carried out under appropriate supervision using predetermined standards of safety, computer application and technical analysis

Software

Commercial software applications, CAD and CAM software, organisation specific software, PLC or microprocessor controller software, word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphic, communication packages and presentation packages, etc

Technical instructions

Manufacturer's and organisational instructions for use of specific computer hardware

Inconsistencies and technical difficulties

Resolved in consultation with appropriate technical advisers

Occupational health and safety regulations / guidelines

Screen based equipment, computing equipment and peripherals and ergonomic work stations, etc.

Programming

Visual Basic, Ladder Logic, Flow Chart, program customising, spreadsheet programming, writing macros, setting up/varying databases and the like.

Organisational guidelines

Security procedures, OH&S procedures, maintenance procedures, etc.

Develop and maintain client engagement

Ongoing communication with clients required to ensure that engineering services are effectively delivered

Unit sector

Engineering science

This unit contains employability skills.