Elements and Performance Criteria

System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a general term applied to a number of systems which automatically collect critical process data, perform required mathematical manipulations on it and then make control decisions and/or give required information personnel for action.

In the continuous manufacturing sector, the SCADA system is sometimes integrated into other sophisticated computer control systems such as Distributed Control System (DCS) and indeed these systems do merge in advanced systems. These organisations may simply refer to their SCADA as the DCS or other similar term (such as the proprietary name of the computer system).


Planning software is a general term applied to a number of software systems which integrate a range of business information such as finance, logistics maintenance and production. It is frequently referred to by names such as ERP, SAP, MRP/MRPII.


Competitive manufacturing organisations encompass the entire production system, beginning with the customer, and includes the product sales outlet, the final assembler, product design, raw material mining and processing and all tiers of the value chain (sometimes called the supply chain). Any truly 'competitive' system is highly dependent on the demands of its customers and the reliability of its suppliers. No implementation of competitive manufacturing can reach its full potential without including the entire 'enterprise' in its planning.

Overview of assessment requirements
The person will be able to modify an existing system to accommodate changed needs of the organisation, or make improvements to an existing system to better do what it is already doing. They could also work with relevant experts to implement a new system to an organisation, process or part of a process.

What are the specific resource requirements for this unit?
Access to an organisation operating systems and undertaking developments to its system.

In what context should assessment occur?
Assessment would need to occur in an organisation using or introducing SCADA, resource planning or similar systems or a suitable simulation.

Are there any other units which could or should be assessed with this unit or which relate directly to this unit?
This unit could be assessed concurrently with units of project management, product design or process improvement/ optimisation.

What method of assessment should apply?
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.
The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.
The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of the assessment.

What evidence is required for demonstration of consistent performance?
Where evidence is provide from small developments, a range of development activities should be considered to provide sufficient evidence. Where evidence is from one complex development project, this may provide sufficient evidence.