The functions of design, engineering, production and quality control are discrete, and communication is often difficult, which creates problems. Simultaneous engineering, where all personnel can contribute at all stages of manufacture, is particularly relevant to fabrication. Also, it is difficult to monitor fabrication because paperwork can take a long time to circulate. This means problems can become serious before they are identified. Plus, the sheer weight of paperwork can make it very difficult to update welder performance qualifications based on satisfactory production welds.
Many fabricators retest welders unnecessarily.
Also, it can be very difficult to identify those welders whose qualifications are close to expiring. Similarly, it can be very difficult and extremely time consuming to collate project data books, simply because of the amount of paper. An integrated software system such as Welding Co-ordinator can help. Welding Co-ordinator is designed to be used live to manage fabrication as it is progressing. It is usually based around an electronic weld map, weld data sheet or weld schedule, into which data are entered as welds are designed, engineered, welded and tested.