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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

NameTypeDefaultDescription
TitleStringDescriptive name of the controlled characteristic (e.g., “Sensor Housing Pressure Test”, “ECU Temperature Monitoring”)
DescriptionTextDetailed explanation of what the control plan item monitors and why it is critical to product quality or process stability
IDStringAuto-generatedUnique work item identifier (e.g., CP-001)
CreatedDateAutoDocument creation timestamp
ModifiedDateAutoLast modification timestamp
OwnerUserPerson responsible for implementing the control plan item
PriorityEnumMediumAssessment of control importance: Low, Medium, High, Critical

Measurement and Inspection Properties

NameTypeDefaultDescription
Measurement TechniqueTextSpecific 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 SizeStringNumber 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 FrequencyStringInspection 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 MethodTextPreventive 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 PlanTextCorrective 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).
NameTypeDefaultDescription
Product CharacteristicLink to CharacteristicProduct 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 CharacteristicLink to CharacteristicManufacturing 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 ValueSpecificationNominal or ideal value for the characteristic. Inherited from the linked characteristic’s specification. Example: 25°C for process temperature target.
ToleranceSpecificationAllowable variation range around target value. Format: ±0.5mm, 20-30°C, or min/max notation. Inherited from linked characteristic. Drives inspection accept/reject decisions.
NameTypeDefaultDescription
Detects Failure ModeLink to Process Failure ModeProcess 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 TypeEnumClassification 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 EffectivenessPercentEstimated 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

NameTypeDefaultDescription
Parent Process StepLink to Process StepRequired 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 NumberIntegerOrder 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.
ComponentLink to System ElementOptional 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: diagram 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

NameTypeDefaultDescription
Special Characteristic (SC)BooleanIndicator 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)BooleanIndicator 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 ScoreInteger1-10Assessment 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>
Link RoleTarget TypeCardinalityDescription
detectsProcess Failure ModeMany-to-manyThis control plan item detects or prevents the linked process failure mode(s). Implements detection strategy from PFMEA.
mitigatesRisk ControlMany-to-manyOptional link to design-phase risk controls. Shows how manufacturing process control complements design-phase mitigation.
parentProcess StepMany-to-oneRequired parent relationship organizing control plan items into process workflow. Multiple control plan items can share the same parent process step.
verifiesCharacteristicMany-to-oneLinks control plan item to the product/process characteristic it monitors. Enables traceability from characteristic specification through manufacturing verification.
linkedDocumentModuleMany-to-manyOptional 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: diagram 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 GroupFunction
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>

Risksheet Formula: Merging Product and Process Characteristic Specifications

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.