SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Contribute to and improve quality practices in CNC machining operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243027  Contribute to and improve quality practices in CNC machining operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard reflects the skills required to:
  • Identify areas for improvement to quality assurance practices.
  • Implement and evaluate changes.
  • Participate in audits and other quality assurance processes.

    It also reflects the understanding of:
  • Principles of quality management and quality management systems.
  • Practices that enhance or detract from quality.
  • Principles of continuous improvement.

    This unit standard would be assessed in the context of:
  • A machining centre.
  • A CNC lathe or turning centre.
  • Any other equipment in which material is removed to form the part, eg cutting, boring, grinding.

    The skills, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the Exit Level Outcomes required for the Further Education and Training Certificate: CNC Production Machining. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following competencies are assumed:
  • Communication and Literacy, NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 3.

    In addition, learners are assumed to have setting and problem solving skills at NQF Level 3 in the context of machining processes using computer numeric controlled equipment. This includes an understanding of control systems, set up procedures and requirements of finished product.

    This assumption forms the basis for the allocation of credits for this unit standard. If a learner does not have such experience or qualifications, the learning time will be increased. The allocation of credits is also based on the assumption that the learner will be following a learning programme which integrates the required unit standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes.

    Improving quality practices at this level refers to improving procedures and work instructions.

    SPC means Statistical Process Control. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Monitor the adherence to quality assurance standards and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All work is carried out consistently and systematically according to standard operating procedures and manufacturers' specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Recording of data corresponds to the requirements of the appropriate SPC method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Discussions and response to questioning indicates an understanding of issues related to the adherence to quality assurance standards and procedures, and of the consequences of non-adherence. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Understanding confirmed. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Review quality assurance practices, identify and record areas of possible improvement, and report findings to responsible persons. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Review includes identifying strengths and weaknesses within the quality assurance system. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Review includes identifying strengths and weaknesses within the quality assurance system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Strengths and weaknesses of current practices are identified, noted and discussed with applicable role-players. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Discussion of issues demonstrates an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to continuous improvement and of how these relate to application in practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Understanding confirmed. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Key concepts include:
  • Principles related to continuous improvement, eg best practice, benchmarking, re-engineering, lean manufacturing, etc.
  • Measurement (data collection, score cards), analysis and improvement.
  • Process analysis.
  • Importance of team participation.
  • Shewhart cycle.
  • Competence and training.
  • Safety.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Participate in quality audits and compile audit reports. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Audits refer to internal audits conducted in terms of the quality management system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The audit tasks are planned and carried out according to the quality management system procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The audit tasks anticipate areas where there could be non-compliance and targets typical practices that compromise the quality system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate audit tools are developed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Result achieved. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The audit tasks are performed according to the plan and evidence and findings are recorded. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Result achieved. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Develop and adapt quality procedures to address quality problems, audit findings and/or changing requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Corrective actions to quality procedures are initiated, monitored and evaluated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Quality practices are improved. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Results achieved. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Discussion of issues demonstrates an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to improving quality assurance practices and of how these relate to application in practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Understanding confirmed. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Key concepts include:
  • Productivity and efficiency.
  • Documentation.
  • Communication.
  • Management control.
  • Competence and training.
  • Safety.
  • Measurement, analysis and improvement.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Implement changes to quality assurance practices and evaluate the impact of improvements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Improvements made to the quality assurance practices are reasoned, add value and improve the overall functioning of the system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Quality procedures are developed and/or adapted as required. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The impact of improvements is evaluated and further adjustments made where required. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Discussion of issues demonstrates an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to improving the quality assurance practices and of how these relate to application in practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Understanding confirmed. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Key concepts include:
  • Productivity and efficiency.
  • Documentation.
  • Communication.
  • Management control.
  • Competence and training.
  • Safety.
  • Measurement, analysis and improvement.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Maintain and update quality documentation and instruments. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Maintaining includes comparing existing practices with recorded policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality documentation and instruments are up-to-date and all changes are recorded. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personnel are briefed and updated on any changes and have access to updated documentation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Quality documentation and instruments are cared for, handled and stored according to company standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type:
  • Indicator. 
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The policies and procedures of the relevant ETQA will also determine:
  • How the assessment is moderated.
  • How a learner can appeal against the outcome of the assessment.

    Any institution or company which offers learning to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.

    The integrated assessment should be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will specify how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Evaluating evidence in a portfolio of evidence, particularly projects which integrate various aspects of the unit standard and which demonstrate the integration of knowledge, skills and values, and the development of the critical outcomes.
  • Observing and listening to the learner at work, both in primary activities as well as in other interactions, or in relevant simulations.
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding and to verify other evidence.
  • Looking at records and reports.
  • Formative assessment.

    Assessment of competence for this unit standard is based on experience acquired by the learner in the workplace, within the particular machining context. The assessment process should cover the explicit tasks required for the unit standard as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the process of contributing to and improving on quality practices in CNC machining operations.

    The assessment process should also establish how the learning process has advanced the Critical Cross-field Outcomes.

    The learner may choose in which language he/she wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    Assessors should also evaluate evidence that the learner has been performing consistently over a period of time.

    The assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and in conjunction with the assessment for the qualification as a whole. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:

    Names & functions of:

    > Components of the quality assurance system.

    Purpose of:

    > Optimisation and continuous improvement.
    > Quality assurance documents.
    > Quality assurance processes.
    > System auditing.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:

    > Internal quality audits.
    > Benchmarking.
    > Systems approach.
    > Quality assurance policy and procedures.

    Processes and events:

    > Conducting quality audits.
    > Data analysis.
    > Benchmarking.
    > Evaluating implementation of suggestions for continuous improvement.

    Causes and effects, implications of:

    > Implications of not optimising the quality assurance system.

    Procedures and techniques:

    > Reporting and documenting activities.
    > Developing and adapting quality procedures.
    > Internal auditing procedures.

    Sensory cues:

    > Vibration, chattering, excessive loading on the equipment.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:

    > Applicable quality standards.
    > Quality management systems.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:

    > Principles of quality assurance and management and quality management systems.
  • Relationships, systems:

    > Relationship between internal auditing and product quality assurance.
    > Relationship between the quality assurance system and product quality. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify areas for possible improvement. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    When participating in audits. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    When implementing and evaluating changes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Related to identification of areas of possible improvement. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Compile reports on quality assurance issues. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Apply statistical techniques. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the relationship between adherence to the quality assurance system and quality product. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57885   Further Education and Training Certificate: CNC Production Machining  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.