Home
Application
Training
Community
About

ENGINEERING

The Engineering Department operates by centralizing information, facilitating collaboration, automating processes, providing customization options, and supporting continuous improvement to streamline engineering workflows and optimize productivity within industrial companies.

Centralization of Information

  • The platform serves as a centralized repository for all engineering-related data, including device specifications, design documents, manufacturing instructions, and quality control procedures.
  • By consolidating information in one accessible location, the platform eliminates silos between departments and ensures that all team members have access to the latest and most accurate data.
Centralization of Information

Collaboration Across Departments

  • The platform facilitates seamless collaboration between different departments involved in the engineering process, such as sales, purchasing, production, field service, and quality control.
  • Features like the Dashboard provide visibility into ongoing tasks and departmental requirements, enabling effective coordination and prioritization of activities.
  • Communication tools, such as ticketing systems for quality control issues and inquiries from other departments, ensure timely resolution of issues and support cross-functional collaboration.
Collaboration Across Departments

Automation of Processes

  • The platform automates various engineering processes, such as device design, bill of materials management, manufacturing instructions, and quality control procedures.
  • Features like Option Management and Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) management streamline customization and support processes, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.
  • Automated notifications and alerts keep team members informed about task assignments, deadlines, and updates, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
Automation of Processes

Customization and Flexibility

  • The platform offers customization options to adapt to the specific needs and workflows of each organization.
  • Features like Device Detail allow users to tailor information display and organization according to their preferences, ensuring that relevant data is easily accessible and actionable.
  • Customizable fields, dropdowns, and tables enable users to configure the platform to align with their unique product offerings, processes, and requirements.
Customization and Flexibility

Continuous Improvement and Adaptation

  • The platform supports continuous improvement through feedback mechanisms, analytics, and iterative updates.
  • User feedback, performance metrics, and market insights inform platform enhancements and feature development, ensuring that the platform evolves to meet changing needs and industry trends.
  • Regular updates and new releases introduce improvements, optimizations, and new functionalities to enhance user experience, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Continuous Improvement and Adaptation

SECTION OVERVIEW

The Engineering Chapter within Phocus comprises seven distinct sections, each tailored to address specific aspects of the engineering process. These sections are:

  • ChevronDown1- Dashboard

    This section provides an overview of ongoing tasks, departmental requirements, and project statuses. It serves as a centralized hub for engineering teams to coordinate and prioritize activities effectively.

  • ChevronDown2- Devices

    In this section, engineers can compile and manage comprehensive information about devices, including design documentation, specifications, pricing, and manufacturing instructions. It serves as a central repository for all device-related data.

  • ChevronDown3- Option Management

    This section facilitates the management of various options available for each device model, enabling customization and flexibility in product offerings. It allows engineers to tailor devices to meet specific customer requirements.

  • ChevronDown4- Field Replaceable Unit (FRU)

    Streamlining the management of field service procedures and support documentation, this section enables quick issue resolution and customer support. It ensures that field service teams have access to the necessary information to address customer inquiries and resolve issues promptly.

  • ChevronDown5- Product Management

    This section offers tools for managing the entire product lifecycle, from design and development to production and post-sales support. It helps engineering teams track and manage devices from conception to delivery, ensuring smooth operations throughout the product lifecycle.

  • ChevronDown6- Tickets

    Facilitating the tracking and resolution of quality control issues through ticketing systems, this section ensures adherence to quality standards. It enables engineering teams to identify and address quality issues promptly, minimizing product defects and enhancing customer satisfaction.

  • ChevronDown7- Projects

    Providing a platform for managing engineering projects, including task assignment, progress tracking, and collaboration among team members, this section ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget. It helps streamline project management processes and improve overall project efficiency.

Engineering Menu
1- Dashboard

The Dashboard section within the Engineering Department of Phocus serves as a centralized hub for engineering teams to gain insights into ongoing tasks, departmental requirements, and project statuses. It provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of the engineering process, facilitating effective coordination and prioritization of activities. Let's delve into the features of the Dashboard section:

Lists devices requiring engineering approvals, including details such as names, model numbers, specifications, and bill of materials.Features:• Displays a list of devices that need engineering approvals.• Provides details such as device names, model numbers, specifications, and bill of materials.• Enables engineering teams to review and approve devices efficiently.• Helps ensure that all necessary engineering documentation and specifications are in place before devices are released for production or sales.

2- Device

The Device section within the Engineering Chapter of Phocus is designed to facilitate the management of device information comprehensively. It is divided into three main sections: List, Detail, and Add Device. Let’s explore each of these sections in detail:

List

Details

Add Device

List section

The List section provides an overview of all devices offered by the company, allowing engineering teams to access essential device information efficiently.

  1. Features:
    1. Model Number:
      • Purpose: Identifies the unique model number assigned to each device.
      • Importance: Allows for quick and precise identification of devices within the system.
    2. Device Name:
      • Purpose: Provides a descriptive name for each device.
      • Importance: Helps users understand the purpose or function of the device at a glance.
    3. Device Description:
      • Purpose: Offers a detailed description of the device, including its features and capabilities.
      • Importance: Provides additional context and information about the device to users.
    4. BOM Check Box (Bill of Materials):
      • Purpose: Indicates whether the device has an associated Bill of Materials.
      • Importance: Helps track whether all necessary components for device assembly have been documented and accounted for.
    5. Engineering Approval Checkbox:
      • Purpose: Indicates whether the device has received engineering approval.
      • Importance: Ensures that all necessary engineering documentation and specifications have been reviewed and approved before production or sales.
    6. R&D Checkbox:
      • Purpose: Flags whether the device is designated for Research and Development purposes.
      • Importance: Helps differentiate devices intended for experimental or testing purposes from those ready for production or sale.
    7. Obsolete Checkbox:
      • Purpose: Marks whether the device is obsolete and no longer available for sale.
      • Importance: Helps prevent the sale or production of outdated devices and manages inventory effectively.
    8. Sales Approval:
      • Purpose: Indicates whether the sales team is authorized to sell the device.
      • Importance: Ensures that only approved devices are offered for sale, maintaining consistency and quality in product offerings.
    9. Lead Time:
      • Purpose: Specifies the time required to build and deliver the device to customers.
      • Importance: Helps manage customer expectations and plan production schedules effectively.
    10. Price:
      • Purpose: Lists the price of the device.
      • Importance: Provides transparency regarding the cost of the device to both internal stakeholders and customers.
    11. Cost:
      • Purpose: Indicates the cost associated with building the device.
      • Importance: Helps calculate profit margins and determine pricing strategies.
    12. Labor HR (Labor Hours):
      • Purpose: Specifies the amount of labor required to fabricate the device.
      • Importance: Helps estimate production costs and allocate resources efficiently.
    13. Actual Lead Time:
      • Purpose: Records the actual time taken to deliver the device to customers.
      • Importance: Provides insights into production efficiency and helps identify areas for improvement.
  2. Customizability:
    • The list is customizable based on the company's product inventory and needs.
    • Users can identify which columns they see in their list section.
    • The order of the columns is also customizable, allowing users to prioritize information based on preference.
  3. Model Dropdown:
    • A dropdown menu at the top of the list allows users to filter devices based on their models.
  4. Parametric Filtering:
    • Allows users to filter devices based on parameters such as power level, input voltage, output voltage, and model.

3- Option

The option management feature in Phocus facilitates the organization and management of add-ons sold alongside other systems. It provides a structured environment within the engineering department for managing options across all company products. The option management section consists of three main subsections: List, Detail, and Add Option. Each subsection serves specific purposes in maintaining and documenting options within the system.

Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Option Management feature is to streamline the process of adding, tracking, and managing add-on options for the organization's products. It enables engineers and administrators to input new options into the system, update existing options, and access comprehensive information related to each option. By effectively managing options, organizations can ensure accurate documentation, efficient inventory management, and improved decision-making.

Features:

  1. List Section:
    • Allows users to view all available options
    • Users can filter options based on parameters such as model number, name, description, BOM allocation, engineering approval status, and more.
    • Provides quick access to detailed information for each option.
  2. Detail Section:
    • Offers comprehensive information on options, including technical, marketing, accounting, and purchasing details.
    • Consists of three parts: Overview, Detail View, and In-Depth View.
    • Each part provides specific insights into the option, ensuring users have access to all relevant information.
  3. Add Option Section:
    • Enables users to add new options to the system.
    • Users can input essential details such as model number, name, description, and product family.
    • Allows for the inclusion of additional information, such as battery details, BOM part list, images, and documents.

Following each of these items, we will provide detailed explanations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the features and functionalities available in Phocus's Option Management section.

Features:
  1. Comprehensive Overview:
    • Provides users with a comprehensive overview of all available options within the organization's inventory.
  2. Filtering Options:
    • Users can filter options based on various parameters to quickly find specific options of interest. Parameters include:
      1. Model number
      2. Option name
      3. Description
      4. BOM allocation status
      5. Engineering approval status
      6. Research and development (R&D) status
      7. Active or obsolete status
      8. Sales approval status
      9. Lead times
      10. Pricing information
  3. Quick Access to Details:
    • Offers quick access to detailed information for each option, allowing users to view essential details without navigating to individual option pages.
Benefits:
  1. Efficient Option Management:
    • Enables users to efficiently manage a large number of options by providing a centralized location to view and filter them based on specific criteria.
  2. Time-Saving:
    • Saves time by allowing users to quickly locate options of interest without manually searching through extensive lists.
  3. Enhanced Decision-Making:
    • Provides users with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding option selection, approval, and allocation.
Parameters:

The parameters available for filtering options in the list section include:

  1. Model number:
    • Unique identifier for the option.
  2. Option:
    • Name or title of the option.
  3. Description:
    • Brief description providing additional context or information about the option.
  4. BOM allocation:
    • Indicates whether the option is allocated in the Bill of Materials (BOM).
  5. Engineering approval:
    • Status indicating whether the option has been approved by the engineering team.
  6. Research and development (R&D):
    • Status indicating whether the option is designated for research and development purposes.
  7.  Active or obsolete:
    • Status indicating whether the option is currently active or obsolete.
  8. Sales approval:
    • Status indicating whether the option has been approved for sales.
  9. Lead times:
    • Time required for the procurement or production of the option.
  10. Pricing information:
    • Cost associated with the option, including unit price and any applicable discounts or promotions.
Option list

4- Field Replaceable Unit (FRU)

The Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) management section in Phocus facilitates the streamlined management of field service procedures and support documentation. It enables quick issue resolution and efficient customer support, ensuring that field service teams have access to the necessary information to address customer inquiries and resolve issues promptly. This manual provides detailed instructions for navigating and utilizing the FRU management section, encompassing three important subsections: List, Details, and Add FRU.

FRU WorkflowChevron
  1. Field Service Ticket Creation:
    • The workflow begins when a customer issue arises, prompting the field service department to create a ticket in the system. This ticket outlines the details of the customer's problem or request.
  2. Engineering Review and FRU Identification:
    • Upon receiving the ticket, engineers review the issue and determine the parts or kits needed to resolve it. If necessary, engineers identify Field Replaceable Units (FRUs) that can be used to expedite the resolution process.
    • Engineers provide a list of FRU numbers corresponding to the required parts or kits to the field service department.
  3. FRU Kit Fabrication and Inventory Management:
    • The identified FRU kits are fabricated and assembled, ensuring they are readily available in inventory to streamline the customer support process.
    • These FRU kits are added to inventory, ensuring they are properly labeled and tracked for easy access and management.
  4. Customer Quotation and Approval:
    • The field service department utilizes the provided list of FRU numbers to generate a quotation for the customer. This quotation includes details of the required FRUs, along with any associated costs.
    • The customer is quoted either under warranty coverage or with charges for the required FRUs.
  5. Sales Order Processing:
    • Upon approval of the quotation, a sales order is created to formalize the transaction and initiate the process of releasing the FRU kit from inventory.
    • The sales order includes details of the FRU kit, customer information, pricing, and any other relevant details.
  6. Inventory Release and Shipping:
    • Inventory management processes release the approved FRU kit from inventory, ensuring it is accurately accounted for and prepared for shipment.
    • The FRU kit is then shipped to the customers location, where field service technicians can utilize it to resolve the customers issue promptly.
  7. Customer Support and Issue Resolution:
    • Field service technicians receive the shipped FRU kit and utilize its contents to address the customers issue or request.
    • The timely availability of FRU kits accelerates the resolution process, minimizing downtime for the customer and enhancing overall satisfaction.
  8. Documentation and Feedback:
    • Throughout the process, documentation is maintained to record details of the transaction, including quotations, sales orders, and inventory movements.
    • Feedback from both the field service department and the customer may be collected to identify areas for improvement and ensure continuous enhancement of the customer support process.
List

List Section

In the List section of the FRU management, users can access all FRUs available in the system and locate specific FRUs for field support or customer service by utilizing filters for various parameters. The parameters available in this section include:

  1. FRU Number:
    • The unique identification number assigned to the FRU.
  2. FRU Name:
    • The descriptive name of the FRU.
  3. FRU Description:
    • A brief description providing additional context or information about the FRU.
  4. Checkboxes:
    • BOM (Bill of Materials): Indicates if the FRU has a BOM associated with it.
    • Engineering Approval: Specifies whether the FRU has been approved by the engineering department.
    • R&D (Research & Development): Indicates if the FRU is designated for research and development purposes.
    • Obsolete: Specifies if the FRU is no longer in use or production.
    • Sales Approved: Indicates whether the FRU is approved for sales.
    • Lead Time: The time required to fulfill an order for the FRU.
    • Price: The cost of the FRU.
    • Cost: The cost associated with manufacturing or procuring the FRU.

Users can customize the list by adding or removing parameters and columns according to their preferences. Each FRU in the list is accompanied by a detail button, directing users to the detail page of each FRU for more information.

5- Product Management

The Product Management section in Phocus is a comprehensive tool designed to assist companies in effectively managing their product portfolios. It enables the creation, organization, and management of product families, specifications, and associated documentation. This section plays a crucial role in streamlining product development, pricing, and sales processes.

Theory of OperationChevron

The Product Management section utilizes a systematic approach to define product families and their specifications. By inputting parameters and their respective value ranges, Phocus generates various device combinations within specified criteria. It automates the creation of model numbers, descriptions, bill of materials (BOM), and cost calculations for each device, streamlining the entire product management process.

PurposeChevron

The primary purpose of the Product Management section is to facilitate efficient management of product families and specifications. It enables companies to define, organize, and analyze product offerings, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and agility in product development and sales operations.

FeaturesChevron
  1. Automated Product Family Creation:
    • Define product families and their specifications by inputting parameters and value ranges. Phocus generates device combinations and associated documentation automatically.
  2. Cost Calculation:
    • Calculate device costs based on BOM and overhead costs. Define markup and overhead costs for accurate pricing.
  3. Streamlined Customization:
    • Quickly respond to customer inquiries by generating device specifications and pricing instantly. Customize device configurations based on customer requirements.
  4. Automated Documentation:
    • Generate detailed documentation for each device, including model numbers, descriptions, BOM, and cost breakdowns. Ensure consistency and accuracy in product information.
  5. Website Integration:
    • Automatically create webpages for each device, linked to the company website. Enhance customer accessibility and searchability of product information.
  6. Parameter Management:
    • Define parameters and their value ranges for product families. Easily edit parameters and values to accommodate changing requirements.
Product management list

The List section provides an overview of all product families managed by the company. Users can access each family's details and specifications, filter and search for specific families, and navigate to the Detail page for more information.

Parameters:
  1. Family Model: Unique identifier for each product family.
  2. Family Name: Descriptive name for the product family.
  3. Family Description: Brief overview or description of the product family.

6- Quality Control Ticket

Quality Control Management in Phocus is designed to ensure that products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. It enables companies to monitor, manage, and improve the quality of their products throughout the entire product lifecycle. With three essential sections—List, Detail, and Add QC Tickets—Phocus Quality Control Management provides a comprehensive solution for maintaining excellence in product quality.

Purpose:

The purpose of Quality Control Management in Phocus is to uphold the integrity of products by implementing rigorous quality control measures. It ensures that products meet predefined quality standards, comply with regulatory requirements, and exceed customer expectations. By identifying and addressing quality issues proactively, companies can enhance customer satisfaction, minimize returns and recalls, and strengthen their reputation in the market.

Features:
  1. List Section:
    • Provides an overview of all quality control tickets and activities.
    • Allows users to filter and search for specific QC tickets based on various parameters.
    • Customizable columns and parameters to accommodate specific quality control requirements.
  2. Detail Section:
    • Offers detailed information about each QC ticket, including ticket number, description, status, assigned personnel, and resolution.
    • Enables users to track the progress of quality control activities and monitor any deviations from quality standards.
    • Provides a platform for collaboration and communication among team members involved in quality control processes.
  3. Add QC Tickets:
    • Facilitates the creation of new quality control tickets to address identified quality issues.
    • Allows users to specify the nature of the quality issue, assign responsible personnel, set priorities, and establish deadlines for resolution.
    • Streamlines the process of documenting, tracking, and resolving quality control issues, ensuring timely corrective actions.

List

Details

Add QC Ticket

List

List Section

The List section in Phocus Quality Control Management provides users with an organized overview of quality control tickets and activities. It allows for efficient tracking, monitoring, and management of quality issues across various products and projects. Here are the detailed explanations of the parameters available in the List section:

  1. Ticket Number:
    • Each quality control ticket is assigned a unique identifier, known as the ticket number. It serves as a reference for tracking and identifying individual quality issues.
  2. Date:
    • The date parameter indicates the date when the quality control ticket was created or initiated. It helps in establishing a timeline for addressing and resolving quality issues.
  3. Related Device Model:
    • This parameter specifies the model or product associated with the quality control ticket. It helps in categorizing quality issues based on the affected device or product line.
  4. Title:
    • The title parameter provides a brief and descriptive summary of the quality issue addressed in the ticket. It offers a quick insight into the nature of the problem.
  5. Description:
    • The description parameter offers a detailed explanation of the quality issue documented in the ticket. It provides additional context, background information, and relevant details to aid in understanding and addressing the issue.
  6. Category:
    • Quality control tickets are categorized based on the type or nature of the quality issue. Common categories may include design defects, manufacturing flaws, performance issues, or compliance violations.
  7. Type:
    • The type parameter specifies the classification or type of quality control ticket. It may indicate whether the ticket relates to a corrective action, preventive measure, investigation, or audit.
  8. Created By:
    • This parameter identifies the individual or entity responsible for creating the quality control ticket. It helps in assigning accountability and tracking contributions to the quality control process.
  9. Status:
    • The status parameter indicates the current state or stage of the quality control ticket within the resolution process. Common statuses may include open, assigned, in progress, pending review, resolved, or closed.

The List section allows users to filter, sort, and search for quality control tickets based on these parameters, enabling efficient navigation and management of quality issues. It serves as a central dashboard for overseeing the entire quality control workflow, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring timely resolution of quality issues.