TOOLING — Tool and Fixture Management
Control tools and fixtures with traceable linkage to QIF (ISO 23952) characteristics and dimensional results
IVR.Tooling connects tools, fixtures and cutting devices to structured product characteristics defined in QIF (ISO 23952). Dimensional results collected automatically from IMTE — Inspection Measuring and Test Equipment — are correlated to specific tooling configurations, eliminating manual records and ensuring measurable traceability between tooling condition and product quality.
What IVR.Tooling Delivers
- Traceable linkage between tools and dimensional characteristics
- Correlation of tooling condition with measured variation
- Integration with CAD → QIF → DMIS identifiers
- Lifecycle control of tools, fixtures and gauges
- Evidence-based validation of tooling changes
Tooling as a Measurable Quality Variable
Tools and fixtures directly influence dimensional outcomes, yet they are often managed separately from quality data. IVR.Tooling associates each tooling item with the specific characteristics it affects, structured in QIF (ISO 23952).
This linkage enables objective evaluation of tooling performance using real inspection data instead of isolated maintenance logs.
Each tool can be analyzed based on its measurable impact on product characteristics.
Integration with Process Engineering and Inspection
Tooling configurations are connected to operations defined in IVR.ProcEng and to inspection programs generated via DMIS. The same characteristic identifiers used in CAD and QIF (ISO 23952) ensure consistency across engineering, production and quality.
When a tool is replaced, adjusted or refurbished, its impact can be tracked against subsequent dimensional results captured automatically from IMTE — Inspection Measuring and Test Equipment.
- Shared identifiers across engineering and quality modules
- Immediate visibility of dimensional shifts after tooling change
- Alignment between control plan and tooling configuration
Correlation with SPC and Capability Studies
Dimensional data associated with specific tooling setups can be monitored in IVR.SPC, enabling correlation between variation behavior and tool condition or wear.
Capability studies in IVR.MSA provide additional evidence when evaluating whether observed variation originates from tooling, measurement system or process instability.
Tooling decisions are supported by statistical and dimensional evidence.
Lifecycle and Revision Control
IVR.Tooling maintains a lifecycle history for tools and fixtures, including installation dates, maintenance events and configuration changes. Each event is time-stamped and linked to affected operations and characteristics.
This structured control ensures that tooling revisions are traceable and auditable, supporting customer requirements and internal governance.
- Version control of tooling configurations
- Historical traceability linked to production batches
- Audit-ready documentation of tooling interventions
Evidence-Based Continuous Improvement
By correlating tooling data with dimensional performance, IVR.Tooling supports continuous improvement initiatives grounded in measurable results. Adjustments and investments are justified through objective evidence rather than assumption.
Integrated with IVR.FMEA and IVR.Audit, tooling-related risks and corrective actions remain connected to real inspection outcomes and documented evidence.
Tooling management becomes a structured, measurable and auditable engineering discipline.