No redundant Data Storage

(Available in all extension stages of IQ-Software)

If the same data is stored in multiple files (documents), the costs for keeping the data consistent multiplies with the redundant storage locations, e.g. every changed datum must be changed in all other files where it is required. This increases the potential for errors (inconsistent documentation).

The situation is quite common in companies where standard software packages (text processing, spreadsheets, diagramming software) are used for filling in the FMEA form, the control plan and the process flow. Often, a text processor is used for the FMEA form, a spreadsheet program for the control plan and a diagramming tool for the process flow; but all these documents share a certain set of data (e.g. critical characteristics). The time and money needed to keep these documents up to date is at least 300% more than required with APIS IQ-Software.

APIS IQ-Software internally uses a complete and normalized data model. This means that every information item exists only once, even if there can be a great number of different views (forms and other documents) where the item appears. Changing the item in one place (in one form) automatically updates it in all other views, because physically the item exists only once.

As an example consider the specification of a characteristic. The following figure shows the same product characteristic as in the function net and the process flow diagram.¹

Figure 1 - Process flow diagram

If the value of the characteristic is changed from 20 to 30 in one view, the change is immediately reflected in all other views that show this characteristic.

Figure 2 - Process flow diagram after change

This is true not only for opened views but of course also for all views which will be opened after the change was made.

Figure 3 - Control plan after change

Figure 4 - FMEA form after change

¹Depending on the expansion stage not all shown editors are available.