Elements and Performance Criteria

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


Procedures includes all work instructions, standard operating procedures, formulas/recipes, batch sheets, temporary instructions and similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant. They may be written, verbal, computer based or in some other form.

For the purposes of this Training Package, 'procedures' also includes good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (eg Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Responsible Care) and government regulations.

Overview of assessment requirements
The employee will routinely use the relevant parts of the planning software system for their job.

What are the specific resource requirements for this unit?
Access to an organisation using a planning software system.

What critical aspects of evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit?
Evidence of routine use of planning software as part of their job is required.

In what context should assessment occur?
Assessment needs to occur in a workplace using a planning software system or a simulation system.

Are there any other units which could or should be assessed with this unit or which relate directly to this unit?
This unit should be assessed concurrently with relevant technical units for the process.
This unit covers the lower skill levels of using planning software.

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?
Evidence of routine use over an extended period should be available. Planning software systems will typically log all interactions with it. Interrogation of the planning software system will therefore provide evidence of the operator's use of it. Actions taken may also be accessible from the planning software system itself, or may need other evidence available from the process.