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 plan and design mechatronic engineering projects for a range of engineering applications. 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 planning and design of mechatronic engineering projects or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

researching and reporting context and parameters of the planning and design process for a comprehensive range of engineering applications

planning and designing a significant and particular engineering application within the market and industrial context and in conformance with project parameters such as financial, legal, resource and scheduling.

documenting and confirming the client's requirements in accordance with organisational procedures and practices.

informing client of known OHS, regulatory, ethical, environmental, physical and cost limitations.

identifying design parameters

establishing scope of design brief

writing specifications to meet design requirements.

documenting and agreeing on acceptance criteria with the client

reviewing different approaches technical feasibility, innovation, creativity, and acceptance to client

documenting possible design concepts

analysing, comparing and contrasting the relative merits of possible design concepts

documenting an objective analysis of each approach (eg. Weighted "trade-off" table)

organising design activities into sequential and concurrent design activities

discussing proposals with colleagues and specialists

clarifying creative and technical aspects of the proposals

documenting concept proposal in accordance with organisational procedures

establishing the design and planning team in accordance with organisational procedures

identifying resources and establishing management procedures

controlling documentation in accordance with established procedures

selecting components and systems

addressing professional indemnity and ethical issues

negotiating, documenting and monitoring outcomes and performance measures

developing work instructions

monitoring and correcting project progress

performing risk analysis and corrective action

assumptions and calculations for implementation of the planning and design process

preparing design diagrams and calculations

applying scientific principles in the implementation of the planning and design process.

selecting materials

selecting engineering methods and processes

creating demonstration models

confirming the design solution and plan

authorising modifications to the engineering specification in accordance with organisational procedures.

incorporating corrections and improvements to the design into the revised design solution and plan

applying OHS&E and regulatory standards

completing design documentation

documenting changes to the design and implementation plan

obtaining and reviewing feedback from the commissioning process

monitoring the project outcomes or performance in the user's environment

addressing deficiencies in project outcomes or performance as measured against current specification

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

context and parameters of the planning and design process for a comprehensive range of engineering applications

market and industrial context and parameters such as financial, legal, resource and scheduling of the planning and design process for a significant and particular engineering application

the procedures for documenting and confirming client requirements

the client's requirements

appropriate codes, standards, specifications and legislative and regulatory requirements

implications for sustainability and options for improved environmental outcomes

issues of sustainability and environmental impact were examined

constraints and risks associated with the development and implementation of the design

the scope of the design

sources of information on standard and innovative or creative project solutions

issues of sustainability, environmental and/or community impact

design parameters or constraints

process of analysis, comparison and contrasting

sequential and concurrent design activities

input and effects of advice from colleagues, experts and specialists

features of concept proposal in the context of design brief, feasibility study and expert opinion

concept proposal review process

human and physical resources available to carry out the design task

the most appropriate process to develop the plan and design to meet the agreed outcomes and cost structure

the reasons for establishing and maintaining a document management process

the engineering fundamentals affecting selection of components and systems

the relevance of defined engineering activities to successful project completion and career enhancement

the reasons for using particular design approach, calculations and assumptions

the reasons for using particular hardware and software and programming technique

the reasons for considering or using particular scientific principles

the reasons for providing for particular materials properties knowledge in the implementation of the planning and design process

the reasons for providing for particular methods and processes in the implementation of the planning and design process

graphical and documentary options

rationale for graphics and documents raised in the context of application, project and contractual requirements

the reasons for use of elective competencies in the implementation of the planning and design process

key aspects of the design and implementation plan in the context of current specification, contract and organisational procedures, OHS and regulatory standards

effect of design team, expert input and client feedback on design and implementation plan

the procedures for gaining client endorsement and documenting client acceptance of the design solution and implementation plan

the significance of the document control process

the procedures for initiating and gaining approval for design changes

the procedures for updating issued documents

appropriate tests and testing schedules to monitor the outcomes or performance of the project

the reasons for selecting the chosen tests and schedules

variations in measured performance from design specifications

corrective action to return the design outcome or project performance to specification

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.

Mechatronic engineering

Mechatronics is usually defined as the integration of mechanical, electronics, programming, electrical and fluid power in an engineering product. The skills and underpinning knowledge of mechatronics are common with general automation of processes, systems and services. The definition of mechatronics is here broadened to include general automation.

Mechatronics engineering is concerned with the conceptual development, research, design, manufacture and/or implementation and/or installation, commissioning and maintenance of automated products, processes, systems or services for converting energy into power and motion, materials into product and components into machines and systems for domestic, commercial, industrial, civil, entertainment, medical or military applications.

Design process

The consideration and identification of a problem or opportunity to improve an existing design. The conceptual process used to bring together innovation, aesthetics and functionality to plan and create an artefact, a product, a process or a system including programming and scheduling to meet an artistic or industrial requirement of an individual or group.

Concurrent design activities

The process of involvement of all stakeholders from initial planning and design to implementation and commissioning. May include product or project data management system with graded access privileges.

OHS&E requirements

Occupational Health Safety and Environment recognizes that stakeholders in workplace activity include the workforce exposed to worksite conditions, materials and processes of the activity and the broader community exposed to environmental effects of the activity. Apply in accordance with organisational policies and statutory and regulatory requirements.