Overview
The Control Plan Item work item type (controlPlanItem) serves as the operational bridge between design-phase risk analysis (PFMEA) and manufacturing execution. While Process Failure Mode Analysis identifies what can go wrong during manufacturing, Control Plan Items define how those risks will be actively monitored and controlled. They support both product acceptance (does the manufactured part meet specifications?) and process control (is the manufacturing process stable?).
Control Plan Items are organized hierarchically:
- Parent: Process Step (the manufacturing operation being controlled)
- Characteristics: Product Characteristics or Process Characteristics being measured
- Inspection Methods: How measurement occurs
- Detection Link: How the control plan detects failures identified in Process Failure Mode analysis
This dual-level approach (process steps → characteristics) mirrors IATF 16949 control plan structure and AIAG-VDA FMEA methodology, enabling comprehensive traceability from risk identification through manufacturing verification.
Core Properties
| Name | Type | Default | Description |
|---|
| Title | String | — | Descriptive name of the controlled characteristic (e.g., “Sensor Housing Pressure Test”, “ECU Temperature Monitoring”) |
| Description | Text | — | Detailed explanation of what the control plan item monitors and why it is critical to product quality or process stability |
| ID | String | Auto-generated | Unique work item identifier (e.g., CP-001) |
| Created | Date | Auto | Document creation timestamp |
| Modified | Date | Auto | Last modification timestamp |
| Owner | User | — | Person responsible for implementing the control plan item |
| Priority | Enum | Medium | Assessment of control importance: Low, Medium, High, Critical |
Measurement and Inspection Properties
| Name | Type | Default | Description |
|---|
| Measurement Technique | Text | — | Specific method or instrument used to verify compliance with specifications. Examples: digital caliper ±0.01mm, pressure gauge ±1 PSI, automated optical inspection (AOI), X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Links to Measurement System Analysis (MSA) or gage R&R studies if applicable. |
| Sample Size | String | — | Number of parts inspected per sampling event (e.g., “5 pieces”, “1 per lot”, “100%”). Drives inspection labor and cost. Referenced in AIAG sampling plans and SPC charts. |
| Sample Frequency | String | — | Inspection frequency during production (e.g., “Every 50 units”, “First piece + every 100”, “Every shift”, “Continuous”). Higher-risk characteristics require tighter frequency. Typically derived from PFMEA occurrence and detection scores. |
| Control Method | Text | — | Preventive control technique that keeps the process within specification limits. Examples: setup verification, tool offset compensation, environmental controls (temperature/humidity), fixture error-proofing, visual management standards, statistical process control (SPC) charts, automatic machine adjustments. |
| Reaction Plan | Text | — | Corrective actions triggered when inspections find nonconforming product or process excursions. Includes immediate containment (sort affected parts, halt production, notify supervisor) and longer-term corrective actions (8D problem-solving, root cause analysis, process adjustment validation, engineering change request). |
Characteristic Links
| Name | Type | Default | Description |
|---|
| Product Characteristic | Link to Characteristic | — | Product quality attribute being controlled on the finished part (e.g., sensor housing wall thickness, ECU case material hardness). One control plan item can link to a product characteristic if the control focuses on part acceptance inspection. |
| Process Characteristic | Link to Characteristic | — | Manufacturing process parameter being monitored (e.g., injection molding temperature, cure time, pressure profile). One control plan item can link to a process characteristic if the control focuses on process stability. Some control plan items link to both. |
| Target Value | Specification | — | Nominal or ideal value for the characteristic. Inherited from the linked characteristic’s specification. Example: 25°C for process temperature target. |
| Tolerance | Specification | — | Allowable variation range around target value. Format: ±0.5mm, 20-30°C, or min/max notation. Inherited from linked characteristic. Drives inspection accept/reject decisions. |
FMEA and Risk Detection Links
| Name | Type | Default | Description |
|---|
| Detects Failure Mode | Link to Process Failure Mode | — | Process failure mode(s) that this control plan item detects or prevents. Links the control plan to PFMEA analysis. When multiple failure modes share root causes, one control plan item may detect several. Enables bidirectional traceability from “What can go wrong?” (PFMEA) to “How will we detect it?” (Control Plan). |
| Risk Control Type | Enum | — | Classification of control method per ISO 26262: inherent safety, protective measures, warning/guidance. Controls linked to Process Failure Mode entries should reflect the control hierarchy. |
| Detection Effectiveness | Percent | — | Estimated probability (0-100%) that the control method will detect a nonconforming condition before it reaches the customer. Derived from PFMEA detection score or updated based on pilot/validation testing. Higher percentages indicate more reliable detection. |
Organization and Hierarchy
| Name | Type | Default | Description |
|---|
| Parent Process Step | Link to Process Step | — | Required parent linking control plan item to its manufacturing operation. Multiple control plan items can belong to the same process step (e.g., one control item for part dimensions, another for material properties, another for assembly torque spec). Enables hierarchical organization: Process Flow → Process Steps → Characteristics → Inspection Methods. |
| Sequence Number | Integer | — | Order of control plan item execution within its parent process step. Used for document layout and workflow sequencing. Example: Step 5.1, Step 5.2, Step 5.3. |
| Component | Link to System Element | — | Optional link to the system component or subsystem whose manufactured characteristic is being controlled. Enables cross-referencing control plans back to design and DFMEA. |
Visual Hierarchy and Control Plan Structure
Control Plan Items appear in a three-tier Risksheet hierarchy within the Control Plan document:
This structure implements AIAG-VDA FMEA production planning methodology:
- PFMEA identifies risks → What can go wrong in manufacturing?
- Control Plan defines countermeasures → How will we prevent or detect this?
- Control Plan Items are execution instructions → Specific characteristics, measurements, actions
Classification and Priority
| Name | Type | Default | Description |
|---|
| Special Characteristic (SC) | Boolean | — | Indicator that this control plan item covers a Special Characteristic — product/process parameter with significant impact on product performance or safety but no direct functional failure mode. SC items typically receive heightened monitoring per IATF 16949. If linked characteristic carries SC classification, this field auto-populates. |
| Critical Characteristic (CC) | Boolean | — | Indicator that this control plan item covers a Critical Characteristic — product/process parameter directly linked to safety, legal, regulatory, or customer-critical requirements. CC items require 100% inspection or real-time SPC monitoring. |
| Criticality Score | Integer | 1-10 | Assessment of control plan item importance combining PFMEA severity/detection and SC/CC classification. Higher scores drive inspection frequency and sampling intensity. Used by Control Plans Report dashboard for prioritization. |
Custom Fields
Control Plan Item work items support custom fields for capturing manufacturing-specific metadata:
<customField name="inspectionLocationCode">
<description>Work center or station ID where inspection occurs</description>
<type>String</type>
<example>WC-05, Assembly Station 3, QC Lab</example>
</customField>
<customField name="gageType">
<description>Type of measurement equipment used</description>
<type>Enumeration</type>
<options>DigitalCalipers, MicrometerBoring, PressureGauge,
ElectricalTester, VisualInspection, AOI, XRay</options>
</customField>
<customField name="spcChartType">
<description>Statistical Process Control chart type</description>
<type>Enumeration</type>
<options>IndividualsChart, XbarChart, RChart, pChart, npChart, cChart</options>
<notes>Drives SPC dashboard generation and control limit calculations</notes>
</customField>
<customField name="acceptanceCriteria">
<description>Pass/fail criteria for inspection decision</description>
<type>Text</type>
<example>Length 25.0±0.5mm AND Appearance Grade A OR B (no deep scratches)</example>
</customField>
Relationships and Links
| Link Role | Target Type | Cardinality | Description |
|---|
detects | Process Failure Mode | Many-to-many | This control plan item detects or prevents the linked process failure mode(s). Implements detection strategy from PFMEA. |
mitigates | Risk Control | Many-to-many | Optional link to design-phase risk controls. Shows how manufacturing process control complements design-phase mitigation. |
parent | Process Step | Many-to-one | Required parent relationship organizing control plan items into process workflow. Multiple control plan items can share the same parent process step. |
verifies | Characteristic | Many-to-one | Links control plan item to the product/process characteristic it monitors. Enables traceability from characteristic specification through manufacturing verification. |
linkedDocument | Module | Many-to-many | Optional link to external control plan reference documents, inspection procedures, SPC templates, or measurement system analysis reports. |
Workflow and Lifecycle
Control Plan Items follow the standard work item lifecycle:
Workflow triggers:
- Draft: Control plan item created but not yet ready for review
- In Progress: Item being developed and reviewed with manufacturing engineering team
- In Review: Submitted for quality and manufacturing approval
- Pending Approval: Awaiting sign-off from quality manager or manufacturing engineer
- Approved: Control plan item finalized and ready for manufacturing execution
Transition requires completion of measurement technique, sample size/frequency, and reaction plan fields.
Integration Points
Control Plan Risksheet Document
Control Plan Items are authored and edited in the Control Plan Risksheet document (controlPlan-*) using interactive columns:
| Column Group | Function |
|---|
| Process Step (blue) | Selects parent process step using dynamic picker filtered by component |
| Characteristics (purple) | Displays linked product/process characteristics with target values and tolerances via merged formula |
| Methods (green) | Defines measurement technique, sample size/frequency, control method, reaction plan |
| Reaction Plan (orange) | Captures corrective action protocols for out-of-control conditions |
Control Plan Risksheet configuration binds work item properties to column bindings. The characteristic assignment uses queryFactory filtering:equipmentFilter:
workItemType: systemElement
linkRole: linkedTo
backlink: true
characteristicFilter:
workItemType: characteristic
linkRole: linkedTo
linkedItem: equipment
This ensures only characteristics relevant to the selected equipment appear in the picker.
Process FMEA (PFMEA) Integration
Control Plan Items must trace backward to Process Failure Modes identified in PFMEA. The detects link role shows which failure modes each control plan item monitors:
- PFMEA identifies process risks and assigns occurrence/detection/severity scores
- Control Plan Items implement detection strategies with appropriate sampling and measurement techniques
- Post-mitigation detection scores in PFMEA should reflect the control plan’s effectiveness
Characteristics Sheet (PowerSheet)
Linked characteristics appear in the Characteristics PowerSheet, showing design specifications that drive control plan sampling criteria:
name: Characteristics
workItemType: characteristic
columns:
- name: Target Value
binding: targetValue
- name: Tolerance
binding: tolerance
- name: SC/CC Classification
binding: classification
- name: Linked Control Plans
binding: linkedControlPlanItems
linkRole: verifies
Control Plans Report Dashboard
The Control Plans Report displays summary statistics and navigation to detailed risksheet documents:
#set($cpCount = $helper.createLuceneQuery("type:controlPlanItem").list().size())
#set($psCount = $helper.createLuceneQuery("type:processStep").list().size())
#nxSpaceBanner(2, "Manufacturing Control Planning",
"IATF 16949 control plan execution and SPC oversight",
"#ff8c00", "#ff6b35")
#nxStatCard("Control Plan Items", $cpCount, "blue")
#nxStatCard("Process Steps", $psCount, "blue")
#nxLinkCardsGrid()
#nxLinkCard("Control Plan - Sensor Unit",
"Defines how to monitor critical characteristics during assembly",
"/polarion/redirectLink?type=workItem&id=ControlPlan-SensorUnit",
"chart-box")
#nxLinkCard("Process FMEA Analysis",
"Links to PFMEA that identifies what can go wrong",
"/polarion/redirectLink?type=workItem&id=PFMEA-SensorUnit",
"alert-box")
#nxLinkCardsGridEnd()
Code Examples
Creating a Control Plan Item via Work Item Factory
<workitem type="controlPlanItem">
<title>Sensor Housing Pressure Verification</title>
<description>Verify sensor housing withstands 5.0±0.5 bar pressure
during manufacturing test to ensure field reliability
under extreme thermal cycles</description>
<field name="owner">John.Smith</field>
<field name="priority">High</field>
<!-- Links to parent process step -->
<link role="parent" workitem="PS-003"/>
<!-- Links to characteristic being monitored -->
<link role="verifies" workitem="CHAR-087"/>
<!-- Links to PFMEA failure modes detected by this control -->
<link role="detects" workitem="PFM-015"/>
<link role="detects" workitem="PFM-016"/>
<!-- Measurement and inspection parameters -->
<customField name="measurementTechnique">
Pressure test fixture with calibrated digital gauge (±1 PSI accuracy).
Test procedure: ISO 6892-1 Static Pressure Test.
Equipment: Test Stand WC-07, Gage ID: G-0423 (last calibrated 2026-01-15)
</customField>
<customField name="sampleSize">5 pieces per production lot</customField>
<customField name="sampleFrequency">Every 500 units manufactured</customField>
<customField name="controlMethod">
Setup verification on first piece. Continuous monitoring every 500 units.
Visual inspection for housing cracks post-test.
</customField>
<customField name="reactionPlan">
Out of control (pressure <4.5 bar or >5.5 bar):
1. Stop production immediately.
2. Sort and rework all parts since last good sample.
3. Investigate root cause (pressure regulator calibration, seal degradation).
4. Validate fix with 5 consecutive good parts before restart.
5. Submit 8D report to quality manager within 24 hours.
</customField>
<field name="classification">CC</field>
<customField name="gageType">PressureGauge</customField>
<customField name="acceptanceCriteria">5.0±0.5 bar (4.5-5.5 bar acceptable range)</customField>
</workitem>
Control Plan Risksheets often display merged characteristics (product OR process). This formula shows precedence:
// If product characteristic target exists, use it; else use process characteristic target
function targetValueFormula(productChar, processChar) {
if (productChar && productChar.targetValue) {
return productChar.targetValue;
}
return processChar ? processChar.targetValue : "";
}
// Merged tolerance: product takes precedence, then process
function toleranceFormula(productChar, processChar) {
if (productChar && productChar.tolerance) {
return productChar.tolerance;
}
return processChar ? processChar.tolerance : "";
}
// SC/CC classification badge: display whichever is set
function classificationBadge(productChar, processChar) {
const classification =
(productChar && productChar.classification) ||
(processChar && processChar.classification);
if (classification === "SC") {
return '<span style="background:#ff8c00; color:white; padding:2px 6px;">SC</span>';
} else if (classification === "CC") {
return '<span style="background:#c62828; color:white; padding:2px 6px;">CC</span>';
}
return "";
}
PFMEA-to-Control-Plan Traceability Query
## List all PFMEA failure modes and their detecting control plan items
#set($pfmeas = $helper.createLuceneQuery("type:processFailureMode").list())
#foreach($pfmea in $pfmeas)
#set($controlPlanItems = $pfmea.getLinkedWorkItems("detects", true))
Process Failure Mode: $pfmea.title
Detection Strategy:
#if($controlPlanItems.isEmpty())
[WARNING] No control plan items defined!
#else
#foreach($cp in $controlPlanItems)
- $cp.title
Measurement: $cp.getCustomField("measurementTechnique")
Frequency: $cp.getCustomField("sampleFrequency")
#end
#end
#end
Every Process Failure Mode identified in PFMEA should map to at least one Control Plan Item via the detects link. Missing control plans indicate incomplete manufacturing risk mitigation. Use the FMEA Coverage Report to identify uncontrolled PFMEA entries.
Special Characteristics (SC) and Critical Characteristics (CC) require heightened scrutiny per IATF 16949. Ensure control plan items linked to SC/CC characteristics have appropriate sample sizes and frequencies. Red-flag any SC/CC characteristics with only visual inspection or infrequent sampling.