Managing Engineering Change Orders and Delegation Limits in Manufacturing
Delegating engineering change authority by financial limit and technical classification eliminates plant line stoppages while preserving configuration control.
Class Two Change
Meaning
Revisions to technical data that do not impact the form, fit, function, reliability or maintainability of a product represent this level of modification. A class two change typically addresses errors in documentation or minor drafting improvements that leave the physical hardware unaffected. It maintains the accuracy of the record without triggering a formal customer review process.
Documentation Scope
Corrections to part numbers or clerical updates on a blueprint are the primary drivers for these actions. Engineers utilize a class two change to clarify assembly instructions or update notes that do not alter the physical properties of the component. Such updates ensure that the manufacturing floor has the most accurate information available for consistent builds.
Internal Control
Authority for approving these minor adjustments rests entirely within the internal engineering or quality department of the manufacturer. Since a class two change does not modify the performance baseline, the company manages the update through its own configuration management system without external oversight. This autonomy allows for rapid refinement of the technical package during the production lifecycle.
Execution Timeline
Batch updates are often preferred over individual filings to manage the administrative load of minor revisions. Maintaining these class two change records prevents confusion during quality audits by keeping the documentation current. A clean technical set supports the transition from low rate initial production to high volume manufacturing by removing ambiguity from the work instructions provided to the shop floor.