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 undertake investigation of an engineering task to determine the mechatronic fundamentals required by the task and integrating them into a task plan and report the plan and any investigations undertaken.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

determine task parameters and context and identify and investigate required mechatronic fundamentals

evaluate task requirements, principles, techniques, typical applications and software

plan the task

integrate mechatronic fundamentals to achieve task objectives

communicate, cooperate and negotiate with stakeholders to achieve integration task

report and document results.

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, then a simulated working environment 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.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment must cover the integration of two or more mechatronic fundamentals to achieve the engineering task.

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

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Required skills

Required skills include:

communicating, cooperating and negotiating with stakeholders

identifying task parameters and context, WHS and regulatory requirements, risk management and organisational procedures

evaluating task requirements, including principles, techniques, machines, controllers and mechatronic devices, and typical automated systems

selecting and using software for required analysis and graphics

planning the task

solving problems and making decisions using systems thinking and continuous improvement to address contingencies and constraints

reporting and documenting results of investigation, evaluation and integration, diagrams and calculations

reviewing sustainability implications, functions and features for the engineering task

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

WHS and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, and risk minimisation and registration requirements

mechatronic fundamentals, including:

mathematics

materials properties

mechanics

electrical and electronic fundamentals

fundamentals of controller programming, interfacing and signal conditioning, and which depending on the application may also include:

chemistry

light, sound and electromagnetic effects

thermodynamics and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

fluid mechanics

fluid power

system control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) and distributed control systems (DCS)

computing

graphics, including computer-aided design and drafting systems (CAD)

methods and processes for shaping, cutting, joining and coating of metal and other materials

functions and features of machines, controllers and mechatronic devices and automated systems

current options and tends in software, including circuit and system layout and simulation

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.

Appropriate licensed technical and professional assistance

Appropriate licensed technical and professional assistance may include:

technical support and advice relating to elements which have intrinsic dangers, such as:

high pressure

energised fluid vessels

high temperatures and heat energy capacity

wiring with high current control voltages above extra low voltage

professional support for technologies may include:

specialist electric motor drives and controllers

specialist materials, plastics, metal alloys and nano materials

special processes, foundry, alloy welding, heat treatment, sealing and fastening

WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

WHS, regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures may include:

WHS Acts and regulations

relevant standards

codes of practice from Australian and overseas engineering and technical associations and societies

risk assessments

registration requirements

safe work practices

state and territory regulatory requirements applying to electrical work

Systems thinking

Systems thinking refers to the conduct of engineering work in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of how the interaction of different technical systems on equipment, machinery or structures, as well as the skills and techniques of personnel, combine to perform or support engineering-related operations, processes or projects. It embraces determining or establishing how the function of each technical system or component, as well as the skills and techniques of personnel, effects or potentially may effect, outcomes. Systems should be interpreted broadly within the context of the organisation and depending on the project or operation can include equipment, related facilities, material, software, internal services and personnel, and other organisations in the value chain

Continuous improvement implementation

Continuous improvement implementation may relate to plant, products, processes, systems or services, including design, development, implementation or manufacture, commissioning, operation or delivery and maintenance.

Improvement processes may include techniques, such as:

balanced scorecard

current and future state mapping

measuring performance against benchmarks

process improvement, problem solving and decision making

data management, generation, recording, analysing, storing and use of software

training for improvement systems participation

technical training

Constraints and contingencies

Constraints and contingencies may include:

financial

organisation procedural or culture

physical constraints, such as limits to resources, limits to site access or logistical limitations

Standards and codes

Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to a particular engineering integration task

Sustainability

Sustainability is used to mean the entire sustainable performance of the organisation/plant, including:

meeting all regulatory requirements

conforming to all industry covenants, protocols and best practice guides

minimising ecological and environmental footprint of process, plant and product

maximising economic benefit of process plant and product to the organisation and the community

minimising the negative WHS impact on employees, community and customer