Q-Monitor makes Product Data Quality (PDQ) visible throughout the entire process chain, providing results that reflect either the current status or data quality over time. Statistical PDQ results are available in either graphical interpretations or data tables. The evaluation reports provide highly relevant feedback and highlights the most common errors that could be eliminated with specific training support. Combining this with Q-Checker`s batch mode data enables clients to evaluate the work of their suppliers in detail.

Establish a continuous improvement process

• Measure data quality in significant process points
• Statistics about most frequent errors and quality
• Evaluation of departments, partners and processes
• Targeted training

Some of the results provided are

Identifying of the most frequent errors, allowing users to avoid or eliminate them using targeted training with the designer;
Evaluation of particular departments, projects or suppliers, enabling users to determine optimal requirements for targeted measures to ensure proper quality;

Measurement of PDQ enhancement results over time, providing a measurable Return On Investment analysis for Q-Checker utilization, based on the saved re-working time.

With each verification of a CATIA model, interactive or in batch mode results are written to the Q-Monitor database. A few mouse clicks are all that is required to create clear, graphical interpretations of the checked cross sections with the Q-Monitor administration tool.

Q-Monitor in the PLM Process

In batch mode, Q-Checker can analyze and qualify (PDQ pass/fail) incoming data before it is checked into the PDM database. This way, data from suppliers, customers or other internal departments can be evaluated without either opening models in CATIA for manual analysis.

During development, models pass through several significant steps, such as gate processes or PDM release procedures. During these phases, Q-Monitor verifies whether the models comply with established PDQ and related standards. Thus, the technology generates a process of continuous enhancement, identifying errors and their sources so that they can be readily removed as early as possible. In confirming PDQ before the data is made available to other departments or clients, Q-Monitor leverages the true value of product lifecycle management (PLM) processes and Best Practices.

Thanks to the easily interpreted statistical evaluations, Q-Monitor helps to ensure that the CATIA designer gets the most from the Q-Checker tool. By making the effects of Q-Checker usage transparent over the development process, Q-Monitor integrates with Q-Checker to help manage and drive the highest standards of PDQ.

Q-Monitor Implementation

Q-Monitor is implemented as an automated component of the process, and requires no additional effort for either designers or administrators. Once the administrator defines the way that the graphs are to be created, Q-Monitor runs the necessary queries in the database and delivers descriptive results as diagrams and tables.

There are two ways to implement Q-Monitor in a company virtual product development. Of course, using an existing SQL database is one way. However, Transcat also offers basic PC’s pre-configured with Q-Monitor and a database. These are ready to be plugged into a network and to work with an existing Q-Checker installation. With the Internet, results can also be accessed remotely from any authorized PC in the network.

Technical Information

Q-Monitor provides a series of pre-defined selection queries that can be used to create a broad range of graphs, diagrams and tables. Additional, customised options can be easily created with an SQL-Wizard. Q-Monitor is a platform independent (Windows, UNIX etc) JAVA application.

Q-Checker – with Q-Monitor the management system for product data quality