MSFFT5001
Evaluate and select production materials and equipment


Application

This unit of competency covers researching and evaluating the full range of materials and equipment used in furnishing, and selecting that most appropriate for each particular specified application, taking into account the availability of, and access to, production equipment.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Determine production requirements

1.1

Requirements for production activities are identified, including the types of products produced and related materials and equipment, quantities of products in order, in store, in production, storage and handling requirements and stock management methods

1.2

A rating system is developed to facilitate comparisons of cost/benefits and other qualitative properties of equipment and systems

2

Gather data and specifications

2.1

Current best practice and future trends for manufacturing the products are assessed to establish comparisons and benchmarks

2.2

Steps required for production processes are identified and flow charts produced, where necessary

2.3

Specifications are identified to match the production process

2.4

Consultations are conducted with relevant employees and management to identify additional or altered specifications

2.5

Materials, tooling, and/or equipment requirements for the production are identified and documented

2.6

Existing equipment and stock on hand is evaluated to match requirements of the proposed operations

2.7

Work health and safety (WHS) requirements to provide safe work systems for the equipment and materials are identified, including associated training requirements, work practices and equipment

2.8

Appropriate data is compiled

3

Evaluate equipment and materials against requirements

3.1

Materials are assessed for required quality, finish, durability and conformity to standards

3.2

Equipment options are identified

3.3

Equipment and materials are selected based on comparisons of performance, cost and specifications compared to the prepared rating system

4

Prepare reports and recommendations

4.1

Recommendations are developed to meet requirements of the workplace

4.2

Report with recommendations is prepared and forwarded according to workplace procedures

Evidence of Performance

Collect, organise and understand information related to furnishing work instructions and work orders and safety procedures

Apply safe handling requirements for equipment, products and materials, including use of personal protective equipment

Identify materials used in the work process

Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:

minimise the risk of injury to self or others

prevent damage to goods, equipment and products

maintain required production output and product quality

Evaluate materials, equipment and work processes considering:

product innovations and potential

nature of products produced and the associated markets for the products

workforce availability and capabilities

equipment capabilities and availabilities

cost-benefit analysis (or equivalent)

Identify the impact of decisions in terms of commercial, environmental and safety risks

Use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements

Lead others and work effectively to improve production quality and outcomes

Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications and the reporting of work outcomes and problems, interpret basic plans and follow safety procedures

Use workplace technology related to the coordination, including communication equipment, time and management aids and other measuring devices

Avoid backtracking, work flow interruptions or wastage

Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity and encourage participation of employees in the planning of work activities and changes


Evidence of Knowledge

Industry sector developments and trends in terms of materials and equipment

Company business policies and plans, including future production systems and products

Company products, market, work systems and equipment

Legislative requirements of the work activities


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must:

hold training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) or its successors

have vocational competency in the furnishing industry at least to the level being assessed with broad industry knowledge and experience, usually combined with a relevant industry qualification

be familiar with the current skills and knowledge used and have relevant, current experience in the furnishing industry.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time rather than a single assessment event and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment must be by observation of relevant tasks with questioning on underpinning knowledge and, where applicable, multimedia evidence, supervisor’s reports, projects and work samples.

Assessment is to be conducted on single units of competency or in conjunction with other related units of competency. Foundation skills are integral to competent performance in the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment must occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process, equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.

Access is required to production plans, process machinery, equipment, materials and a work location.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. Detail on appropriate performance levels for each furnishing unit of competency in reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy utilising the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) are provided in the Furnishing Training Package Implementation Guide.


Range Statement

Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Unit context includes:

WHS requirements, including legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes, and local safe operating procedures or equivalent

work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

work requires individuals to demonstrate conceptual and analytical ability, discretion, judgement and problem solving

customers or suppliers may be internal or external

Machines and equipment include:

microprocessor or computer-controlled machines

production and facility equipment used in the enterprise

Personal protective equipment includes:

that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Information and procedures include:

trade journals and publications

work procedures/instructions

manufacturer specifications and instructions

standard forms of workplace process and procedures

organisation work specifications and requirements

legislation, regulations and codes of practice

quality and Australian Standards and procedures


Sectors

Furnishing Technology