Apply the FM Library templates

FM Library templates can save you a lot of time when they are applied multiple times during the composition of an FMECA tree. Using the templates during a merge operation can be performed easily by dragging and dropping a FM Library template (Part) onto a Part object in the FMECA tree.

The function Apply FM Library templates extends this function. Using this function multiple FM Library templates can be applied in one go. By defining matching values in the one of the available Maintenance - tab Free Fields, this function can automatically link FM Library templates to FMECA tree objects. The mass effect of this function implies careful preparation before actually applying it.

Strategy

This function was designed for situation where:

• The FMECA tree only contains a basic structure, defined up until the Parts level

• Details of lower levels are intended to be copied from FM Library templates

• The FM Library is filled with different types of templates that will be used as blueprints for different elements in the FMECA tree

• The fields that will be copied over are defined in the option screen 'Part merge field settings'

Asset Strategy Optimization supports this strategy as follows:

• The locations in the FMECA tree that are targeted for application of FM Library templates are assessed by using a matching value that exists in both the template and the FMECA tree

• The matching value will be entered in one of the available free fields in the FM Library template and in the targeted FMECA tree elements

• The user should start with choosing the free field that will operate as the matching field

After completing these steps, this function will:

• Create a list displaying the proposed locations where the templates will be applied based on the matching values

• Let the user choose which of the proposed templates should actually be applied

Applying the FM Library templates will mean that:

• Each user selected FM Library template will be copied to all matching locations in the FMECA tree as indicated in the proposed match list

• Just before the templates are copied to the FMECA tree, any existing data at that level and below will be deleted first from the FMECA tree

• The FMECA tree may be changed drastically

• The changes made by this operations cannot be undone

Exception:

• The user may enter the same matching value in different FM Library template elements

• In this case Asset Strategy Optimization can no longer assess which of the found template elements should be copied to the FMECA tree

• Asset Strategy Optimization will check if such a situation exists before starting a copy, and will refuse to continue as long as it finds that two or more such elements in the matching lists have been marked for inclusion in the copy; the user should deselect any such an occurrence until only unique templates remain in the match list.

Preparing for the operation and executing it

To execute the function Apply FM Library templates, follow the procedure:

1. Set up a minimal FMECA tree (up until and including the Part level)

2. Create FM Library templates from the Parts level, including all desired detailed information down to the desired level

3. Choose Free fields in Asset Strategy Optimization that will be used as matching value

4. Fill in this free field in both the FMECA tree elements and the FM Library templates using the same unique matching values for each match to be made

5. Set the Part-fields that should be copied over using the 'Part merge field settings' option screen

6. Make a back-up from the FMECA tree (export) before continuing

7. Execute the function

Example

In the following example, the system Bicycles will be composed by creating two objects: Serial System Bicycle and underneath that Part Brakes. No further details will be created, as they will be obtained from a FM Library template. We will follow the procedure as described above.

8. Set up a minimal FMECA tree (up until and including the Part level)

   

   Initial setup of an FMECA system, without details in Part Brakes

9. Create FM Library templates from the Parts level, including all desired detailed information down to the desired level

   The details will be obtained from a FM Library template. In this example, two template versions are available for part Brakes.

   • In FM Type folder Brakes1 a structure for part Brakes is present

   • In FM Type folder Brakes2 there is another structure for part Brakes.

   

   For part Brakes two versions are available in the FM Library

10. Choose a Free field that will be used as matching value

    To be able to choose which of the two structures should be included in the FMECA tree, the next step is to enter a matching value in a Free field. In our example we will use a free field called Match.
    

    • For Part structure 1 we will use the value Brake1, which we will enter in the field Match

    • For Part structure 2 we will use the value Brake2, which we will enter in the field Match
      

    

    Each version of Part Brakes is marked using a unique Matching value

11. Fill in this free field in both the FMECA tree elements and the FM Library templates using the same unique matching values for each match to be made

    The eventual choice which template structure should be applied to the FMECA tree is made in the objects of the FMECA tree. There, by filling the same free field with one of the matching values the user can define how matching will happen. In our example, we will select the object Brakes in the FMECA tree and fill the free field Match with the value Brake1.
    

    Note: Make sure when filling the Free field to use object Part, not another object type, otherwise no match will be found.

    

    The template from the FM Library that is chosen to apply to the FMECA tree is selected by typing the selected value in field Match of the Part, in this case Brake1

12. Make a back-up from the FMECA tree (export) before continuing.

    First make a back-up of the existing structure
    

    

    Make a back-up of the structure

13. Execute the function

    The function can now be executed. Follow the steps below:

14. Right-click the FMECA System in the tree and select Apply FM Library Templates
    
    
    

15. Choose in the dialog screen the free field that serves as matching field. In this example we use the field called Match. Click Search to start matching
    
    
     

    • Now select the parts that will actually be applied. In this limited example there is only one object to choose from. Select it by clicking the option field.
      (remark: the two options Apply media MTTF correction and Apply media effects are selected by default. The options are displayed only if they have been activated (via Extra > Options > System defaults > GUI Settings > Media). FM Library - using the media library).
      
       

    The button Apply FM Library Templates has now become active.

16. Start the action by clicking the button
    Read the warning carefully and confirm.
    
    
    

    The action is complete. In this example one part was applied.
     
     

    • End result: The library template has been copied to the Part in the FMECA tree

    

    The structure of the matched Part has successfully been copied to the FMECA tree part

    • The part with match-value Brake1 has been copied to the FMECA tree
      

Warning: During the copy-action any existing data present under the Part in the FMECA tree will be removed first, and replaced by the structure from the FMECA Library.

Tip: Repeating this action will yield the same result, because the existing structure in the FMECA tree will first be deleted. Similarly, one could choose to use the structure of Part Brakes2 instead, simply by changing the matching value in Part Brakes from Brake1 into Brake2 and repeating the action.