An approach to implement internal traceability in machining workshops

This paper focuses on an approach of implementing traceability of machined parts for subsets used in automotive products. The objective is to recover the memory of a given part that has been shaped by removing material from a blank to the finished part in order to fulfil a required function. The approach includes describing the process plan of a given part to be machined, analysing the reliability of the production system, introducing the notion of points of data traceability recording (PDTR) and identifying the machined part by a well-established codification number within the machining workshop. The present approach is illustrated through a case study of implementing internal traceability on batches of parts of hubs for wheelchairs that are manufactured at the Cyclomotor company CYCMA, Guelma in Algeria. Recalls and defective parts can be significantly identified towards the raw material, the process plan, the cutting tool and operators.