What do YOU call..

We are having difficulty agreeing on a word for this. It seems that we have all called it something different in past jobs. Maybe some of your ideas would be better for us.

A set of parameters that you enter into automated equipment. Usually with different ones to choose from. For example, Choose the 3rd saved setting on the centrifuge.

Maybe it's a program, but we use program for the ladder logic and such that programs the controllers.

Not settings, because we use that to imply something you set or check at each use and is easily visible, like the temperature on your oven at home.

Could be called process parameters, but some tend to think of that as the final requirement. For example the temperature of the room, but in reality there may be a couple variables in a controller to determine how it keeps that temperature stable.

Could be called recipes, but some are thinking of cupcake recipes.

Any other verbiage that you use? Am I being as clear as mud? lol

 

The places I've been:

Adding materials together = "Recipe" (making a chemical product like paint or pharma)
Inputting parameters to equipment = "Program" (Running a furnace profile, using an automated press)
Selecting on option without changing parameters = "Selection" or "Option" or "routine" or again "Program" (Choosing a pre-programmed CMM routine, choosing a pre-programmed Labview routine)

HTH

 

In addition to what has already been offered, I've seen things like this called a "profile".

 

Just curiosity...is there a reason to burn calories on agreement of a term? Has there been an actual communication failure due to this? Or is it just someone's pet peeve?

 

I'm working on a CAPA that address controlling such things, and there has been a lot of wasted time in explaining what is meant by the terms we are using.

 

I would call it a configuration, which is essentially not much different than a setting but the connotation is something slightly more involved.

 

Many of our automated product testers call this an Index. The Index is selected based on product being tested and holds the particular settings for the product. Settings can always be changed within an Index as needed. The Index just makes it easier to get to the desired settings and reduces setup error.

 

Be careful in the wording of the CA. "controlling" spoken language is typically a hairy mess that you wish later you never stepped into.
Raising awareness that there is a sensitive terminology issue that can cause miscommunication is typically all that is required in my experience.

I wonder how the discussion with an auditor would go when they investigate the effectiveness of changing people's spoken words...

 

We aren't trying to change spoken words. Just trying to create less confusion in my report.

 

When you've got it all sorted out, you may wish to consider capturing the definitions you agree upon in a process document someplace, and train accordingly.

Or you could just go through all of this again every couple of years if that's more fun.

 

just call them variables and or unknown constants

 

We call these program specifications (PS). Basically they are software components that have certain saved settings. These items are also required to go through change control if they need to change.

 

Oh I like that, and it's one I haven't heard yet!