What this solves
Only a trained operator should run a chrome line. Only a certified NDT inspector should sign off on a thickness reading. Only someone with current cyanide handling should handle cyanide-bearing baths.
Certification tracking enforces this automatically — unqualified operators don't see the Start button on WOs they can't run.
Menu: Plating → Configuration → Operator Certifications.
Certification types
Distinct from Safety Training (WHMIS etc.). Operator certifications are process-qualification:
- Level I / II / III NDT (PT, MT, UT, ET)
- Visual inspection certification (NAS410, SNT-TC-1A)
- Process-specific (Aluminum anodize, passivation, electroless nickel)
- Equipment-specific (rectifier operation, hoist operation, forklift)
- Welding (per code — CWB, AWS D1.1, etc.)
Define types in Plating → Configuration → Certification Types.
Creating a certification record
Open an employee → Certifications tab → Add:
| Field | What to set |
|---|---|
| Certification Type | From the catalog |
| Issuing Body | Internal / ASNT / CWB / customer-specific |
| Cert Number | Vendor cert reference |
| Issue Date | |
| Expiry Date | If applicable (NDT = 3-5 yrs typical) |
| Scope | Specific processes, specific customers |
| Certificate PDF | Upload the cert |
| Annual Vision Test Date | For NDT types — mandatory annual check |
Linking to work centres and recipes
A work centre can require specific certifications (see Work Centres setup). A recipe or operation node can also require.
Operator certification logic:
- Work centre requires Cert A → Operator must hold current Cert A to clock in
- Recipe operation requires Cert B → Even at a permitted work centre, the operator must also hold Cert B
Cascade — missing any one blocks clock-in.
Expiry automation
Certifications with expiry:
- 60 days before: soft warning email to operator + supervisor
- 30 days before: yellow flag in the list
- Expired: certification marked inactive, operator loses access
Annual vision tests for NDT auto-track separately — a qualified NDT operator with lapsed vision cert is temporarily blocked from NDT work until vision is re-tested.
Scope restrictions
A customer might require "only operators on customer-specific training X can touch their parts". Stored as scope:
- Customers — operator allowed for these specific customers only
- Processes — operator allowed for these specific process types
- Facilities — operator allowed at these sites only
WO assignment logic checks scope before showing Start.
Reporting
Certification Matrix spreadsheet:
- Rows = employees
- Columns = certification types
- Cell = expiry date (red if expired, yellow if due within 60 days)
Standard audit artefact for AS9100, Nadcap, N299 pedigree.
New-hire workflow
When a new employee is hired with plating experience:
- Create employee record
- Request certification copies from the employee
- Verify with issuing body (callback / online lookup)
- Create certification records with scans
- Assign to work centres per their proven scope
Never skip verification. We've had cases where the cert claim didn't match the issuing body's records.
What can go wrong
Operator can't clock in, swears they're certified
Open their record → Certifications tab. Is the cert there? Expired? Scope-restricted? Typically one of those.
Certification body closed down / cert can't be verified
Special case. Document the situation. Get equivalent training from a current provider. Keep old cert in record as historical context.
Customer-specific training expired mid-job
Re-certify ASAP. WO can be temporarily assigned to a different operator with the scope, or pause the WO. Do not silently continue.