Variable and attribute characteristic definitions

You can use the Characteristic module to create, maintain, and remove variable and attribute characteristic definitions.

When you open the Characteristic Definition workspace tab, a list of existing variable and attribute characteristics is shown.

A characteristic is an aspect of an item, process, or physical entity that can be measured. You can configure characteristics for variables and attributes, and associate them with categories.

By default, the Characteristic module is in the Quality Management group in the Navigation Bar. For more information on groups and modules, see Groups and modules.

You can modify one or several characteristics, but you cannot modify its type such as variable, counted attribute, and binary attribute. This is because when the characteristic type is changed, the corresponding information also changes making it invalid. Once saved, you cannot modify the characteristic type.

You can delete a characteristic if it is not linked to any QM specification that is currently effective. For more information on deleting, see Delete an object.

An error message appears if the characteristic cannot be saved. Modify the characteristic, as needed, to correct the error and save to clear the error.