Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing
Table of Contents
About the Model ............................................................................................................. 3
Tier One: Personal Effectiveness Competencies....................................................... 4
Interpersonal Skills ............................................................................................. 4
Integrity ................................................................................................................ 4
Professionalism ................................................................................................... 4
Initiative ............................................................................................................... 4
Dependability & Reliability ............................................................................... 4
Lifelong Learning ................................................................................................ 4
Tier Two: Academic Competencies ............................................................................. 6
Science .................................................................................................................. 6
Basic Computer Skills ......................................................................................... 6
Mathematics......................................................................................................... 7
Reading ................................................................................................................. 7
Writing .................................................................................................................. 7
Communication—Listening and Speaking ..................................................... 8
Critical & Analytical Thinking .......................................................................... 8
Information Literacy ........................................................................................... 8
Tier Three: Workplace Competencies ....................................................................... 10
Business Fundamentals .................................................................................... 10
Teamwork .......................................................................................................... 10
Adaptability/Flexibility ................................................................................... 11
Marketing and Customer Focus ..................................................................... 11
Planning and Organizing................................................................................. 12
Problem Solving and Decision Making ......................................................... 12
Working with Tools and Technology............................................................. 13
Checking, Examining, and Recording ........................................................... 13
Sustainable Practices......................................................................................... 14
Tier Four: Industry-Wide Technical Competencies ............................................... 15
Entry-Level ........................................................................................................ 15
Manufacturing Process Design/Development ............................................. 15
Production .......................................................................................................... 15
Maintenance, Installation, and Repair ........................................................... 17
Supply Chain Logistics .................................................................................... 17
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement ...................................... 18
Sustainable and Green Manufacturing .......................................................... 19
Health, Safety, Security, and Environment ................................................... 19
Technician Level .............................................................................................. 21
Manufacturing Process Design/Development ............................................. 21
Production .......................................................................................................... 21
Maintenance, Installation, and Repair ........................................................... 22
Supply Chain Logistics .................................................................................... 23
Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement ...................................... 24
Health, Safety, Security, and Environment ................................................... 25
Resources Reviewed ..................................................................................................... 26
Tier 3 – Workplace Competencies represent motives and traits, as well as interpersonal and
self-management styles. They generally are applicable to a large number of occupations and
industries.
Tiers 4 and 5, called Industry Competencies, show competencies that are specific to the industry
or industry sector. These cross-cutting industry-wide competencies demonstrate the viability of
career lattices that allow workers to move easily across industry sub-sectors. As a result, this
model supports the development of an agile workforce that does not need to follow a single
occupational career ladder.
Tier 4 – Industry-Wide Technical Competencies represent the knowledge and skills that are
common across sectors within a broader industry. These technical competencies build on,
but are more specific than, competencies represented on lower tiers.
Tiers 6 through 9 represent the specialization that occurs within specific occupations within an
industry. Information on occupational competencies is available through O*NET OnLine
(https://www.onetonline.org/).
1. Science: Knowing and applying scientific principles and methods to solve problems.
• Know and apply the Scientific Method - the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the
recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and
experiment, and the formulation and testing of a hypothesis.
• Apply basic science principles to work-related problems and production processes.
• Understand the scientific principles involved in industry-specific production processes:
o Physical
o Chemical
o Biological
o Environmental
• Evaluate scientific constructs including: conclusions, conflicting data, controls, data, inferences,
limitations, questions, sources of errors, and variables.
• Apply scientific methods in qualitative and quantitative analysis, data gathering, direct and
indirect observation, predictions, and problem identification.
2. Basic Computer Skills: Using a personal computer and related applications to convey and
retrieve information.
Navigation and File Management
• Use scroll bars, a mouse, and dialog boxes to work within the computer's operating system.
• Access and switch between applications and files of interest.
Internet and E-mail
• Navigate the Internet to find information.
• Open and configure standard browsers.
• Use searches, hypertext references, and transfer protocols.
• Send and retrieve electronic mail (e-mail).
• Manage personal schedule and contact information.
• Navigate the internet to find and attend online training, web conferences, webinars, self-paced
training, and other applicable interactive sites.
• Employ collaborative/groupware applications to facilitate group work.
Writing and Publishing Applications
• Use a computer application to type text and insert pictures.
• Format, edit, and print text.
• Save and retrieve word processing documents.
Spreadsheets
• Use a computer application to enter, manipulate, and format text and numerical data.
• Insert, delete, and manipulate cells, rows, and columns.
• Create and save worksheets, charts, and graphs.
Presentations
• Use a computer application to create, manipulate, edit, and show virtual slide presentations.
Databases
• Use a computer application to manage large amounts of information.
• Create and edit simple databases.
• Input data.
• Retrieve detailed records.
• Create reports to communicate the information.
Graphics
• Work with pictures in graphics programs or other applications.
• Create simple graphics.
• Manipulate the appearance of graphics.
• Insert graphics into other files/programs.
3. Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Know and apply mathematical principles:
• Number Systems and Relationships - whole numbers, decimals, fractions, alternate base
systems (e.g. binary, octal, and hexadecimal numbers)
• Arithmetic – arithmetic operations on numbers, percentages, square root, exponentiation, and
logarithmic functions
• Plane and Solid Geometry – distance, perimeter, area, and volume, spatial coordinates,
visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling
• Measurement – measurement of length, mass, time, systems of measurement, units, and
conversion between systems (e.g. from English to metric)
• Estimation -- estimate sizes, distances, and quantities; or determine time, costs, resources, or
materials needed to perform a work activity
• Mathematical Notation - the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas
• Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving – inductive and deductive reasoning,
conjectures, arguments, strategies, and interpretation of results
• Elementary Statistics and Laws of Probability – mean, median, and standard deviation
• Algebra and Functions – equations, patterns, and functions
4. Reading: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Read and understand work-related instructions and policies, memos, bulletins, notices, letters,
policy manuals, and governmental regulations.
• Read documents ranging from simple and straightforward to more complex and detailed.
• Read and interpret technical manuals and equipment specifications.
5. Writing: Using standard business English, defined as writing that is direct, courteous,
grammatically correct, and not overly casual. The main requirement of workplace writing is
clarity.
Organization and Development
• Create documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flow charts.
• Communicate thoughts, ideas, information, messages, and other written information, which
may contain technical material, in a logical, organized, coherent, and persuasive manner.
Analyze Media
• Understand both how and why media messages are constructed, and for what purposes.
• Examine how individuals interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are
included or excluded, and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors.
• Recognize a team’s goals and identify ways to accomplish those goals in increasingly complex
workplace situations.
Influence/Negotiate
• Work through conflict constructively.
• Persuasively present thoughts and ideas.
• Respect the views of others.
• Build toward consensus.
• Influence, motivate, and persuade others in order to achieve company and client objectives.
3. Adaptability/Flexibility: Being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety
in the workplace.
Entertain New Ideas
• Be open to considering new ways of doing things.
• Actively seek out and carefully consider the merits of new approaches to work.
• Willingly embrace new approaches when appropriate and discard approaches that are no
longer working.
Deal With Ambiguity
• Take effective action when necessary without having to have all the necessary facts in hand.
• Respond effectively to unpredictable or unexpected events.
• Effectively change plans, goals, actions, or priorities to deal with changing situations.
4. Marketing and Customer Focus: Actively looking for ways to identify market demands and meet
the customer or client need.
Understand Customer Needs
• Identify internal and external customers.
• Demonstrate a desire to understand customer needs.
• Ask questions as appropriate.
• Demonstrate awareness of client goals.
Provide Personalized Service
• Provide prompt and efficient responses to meet the requirements, requests, and concerns of
customers.
• Provide thorough, accurate information to answer customers’ questions and to meet
commitment times or performance guarantees.
• Actively look for ways to help customers by identifying and proposing appropriate solutions
and/or services.
• Establish boundaries as appropriate for unreasonable customer demands.
Act Professionally
• Be pleasant, courteous, and professional when dealing with internal or external customers.
• Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with customers.
• Display a good-natured, cooperative attitude; be calm and empathetic when dealing with
hostile customers.
• Uphold the company and product brand in interactions with others.
Choose a Solution
• Decisively choose the optimal solution based on its merits using rational decision analysis
methods.
• Make difficult decisions even in highly ambiguous or ill-defined situations.
• Quickly choose an effective solution without assistance when appropriate.
Implement the Solution
• Develop a realistic and systematic approach for implementing the chosen solution.
• Implement the chosen solution in a timely manner.
• Solve problems of a technological nature using logic and reasoning.
• Observe and evaluate the outcomes of implementing the solution to assess the need for
alternative approaches and to identify lessons learned.
7. Working with Tools and Technology: Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology to
facilitate work activity.
Selection and Application
• Identify, select, and apply appropriate and cost-effective tools or technological solutions.
• Identify potential hazards related to the use of tools and equipment.
• Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures and safety
standards.
• Use information technology and computer applications to support gathering, storing,
manipulating, and transferring data and information.
Keeping Current
• Demonstrate an interest in learning about new and emerging tools and technologies.
• Identify sources of information concerning state-of-the-art tools, equipment, materials,
technologies, and methodologies.
• Seek out opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in
streamlining work and improving productivity.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Perform routine maintenance on tools, technology, and equipment.
• Determine causes of operating errors and take corrective action.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform work functions that require engaging in hands-on activity.
8. Checking, Examining, and Recording: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining
information in written or electronic/magnetic format.
• Record data in control system documentation.
• Compile, code, categorize, calculate, inspect, or verify information or data.
• Apply systematic techniques for observing and gathering data.
• Detect and correct errors or inconsistencies, even under time pressure.
• Organize records and files to maintain data.
9. Sustainable Practices: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
• Abide by applicable federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
• Safeguard the public interest.
• Ensure equipment and systems are designed to minimize environmental impact.
• Seek to upgrade processes beyond pollution control to pollution prevention.
• Utilize advances in science and technology to upgrade levels of efficiency and environmental
protection.
• Promote sustainable business practices consistent with ISO 14001 International Environmental
Management Guidance.
3. Maintenance, Installation, and Repair: Maintain and optimize manufacturing equipment and
systems.
Entry-Level Critical Work Functions:
• Identify, diagnose, and/or repair equipment problems.
• Communicate with others to ensure maintenance and repairs meet operational needs.
• Maintain hands-on knowledge of equipment operations.
• Maintain equipment, tools, and workstations.
Entry-Level Technical Content Areas:
General Skills
• Use of Hand Tools
• Use of Schematic Drawings and Control Documents
• Use of Calibrated Measuring Instruments
• Knowledge of Basic Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems
• Knowledge of Basic AC/DC Electrical Systems
• Installation of Parts for Industrial Equipment
Basic Disassembly/Assembly Skills
Basic Maintenance and Troubleshooting Skills
• Mechanical Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Electronic Systems
• Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems
• High Vacuum Systems
• Laser Systems
• Computer Systems
• Machine Automation Systems
• Lubrication Processes
• Bearings and Couplings
• Belt Drives and Chain Drives
4. Supply Chain Logistics: Plan and monitor the movement and storage of materials and products
in coordination with suppliers, internal systems, and customers.
Entry-Level Critical Work Functions:
• Ship and receive products and materials.
Entry-Level Technical Content Areas:
Basics of Supply-Chain Management
• Elements of the Supply Chain
• Just-in-Time/Lean Manufacturing
Managing Inventory
• Inventory Forecasting
• Ordering Materials and Supplies
6. Sustainable and Green Manufacturing: Manufacture products using processes that minimize
negative environmental impacts; conserve energy and natural resources; are safe for employees,
communities, and consumers; and are economically sound.
Entry-Level Critical Work Functions:
• Strive to minimize waste, improve efficiency, and reduce resource use.
• Operate with a triple bottom line, emphasizing financial profitability, environmental integrity,
and social equity.
• Understand life cycle analysis: the environmental and economic effects of a product at every
stage of its existence, from extraction of materials through production to disposal and beyond.
Entry-Level Technical Content Areas:
Waste Awareness and Reduction - Fundamentals of solid waste streams and their sources and
focusing on the 4Rs — Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Sustainability into Practice - Developing the business case for implementing a comprehensive
environmental management or sustainability program.
Energy Management - Managing energy usage and investing in energy efficiency to cut energy costs
and reduce carbon footprint.
Water Conservation - Applying lower-cost and conservation principles/practices in operation and
design of water systems.
Pollution Solutions - Improving emission control and environmental management systems, and new
technologies to reduce air pollution.
Green Chemistry - Applying green chemistry principles and techniques throughout the business.
7. Health, Safety, Security, and Environment: Employ equipment, practices, and procedures which
promote a healthy, safe, and secure work environment.
Entry-Level Critical Work Functions:
• Understand and follow established personal safety, security, and environmental practices.
• Ensure that equipment is being used safely.
• Comply with local, federal, and company health, safety, security, and environmental
regulations.
• Identify unsafe or insecure conditions and take corrective action.
Entry-Level Technical Content Areas:
Personal Safety
• Understanding and Following Established Safety Practices
• Safety Procedures for Clean and Safe Working Environment
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing
Regulations
• Hazardous Material Communication (HAZCOM)
• Hazardous Material Handling and Disposal (HAZMAT)
• Hazardous Material Information System Labeling and Storage (HMIS)
• Office of Homeland Security System and Physical Security Regulations (US only)
• Regulations Governing Safe Use of Equipment
• Role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental
Protection Administration (EPA), or Other Appropriate Regulatory Bodies in the Workplace
(US only)
Safety Procedures
• Confined Spaces
• First Aid or First Response Procedures
• Inspecting Material, Equipment, and Fixtures for Defects
• Assessing Material, Equipment, and Fixtures for Hazards
• Lock /Tag Out Practices
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Response to Shop Emergencies
• Safe Evacuation of Facility
• Safe Moving of Materials
• Safe, Prescribed Operation of Equipment and Tools
• Use, Maintenance, and Inspection of Machine Safeguards
• Use of Safety Equipment
Resources Reviewed