A visual reference can help an operator understand the location or orientation described in a digital work instruction. Select the image for a defined purpose and review it together with the approved text. An attractive picture alone does not establish the correct method for a task.
Distinguish an overview from a task-specific image. An overview can introduce the manufacturing environment, while a detailed reference should show the part, position or inspection feature relevant to the instruction. Make that purpose clear so the reader does not mistake a general illustration for an approved process detail.
Check that the visual reference applies to the correct product and operation. Where similar variants differ, identify the relevant variant in the controlled instruction. Avoid combining an image from one version with text that describes another version without a documented review.
Preserve the meaning of approved drawings and process documents. Dimensions, tolerances and other numerical requirements should come from their authorized source. A photograph should not be used to infer a measurement or replace an approved value that the operator needs to follow.
Review the image on the actual workstation screen. Confirm that the required detail is readable at the normal viewing size and that the related text can be found easily. Keep essential information in the approved instruction rather than relying on decorative elements or an unexplained image.
Manage visual references through the same change-control process as the instruction text. When a product or process changes, review the affected images and retain the required revision information. The process owner should approve the combination of text and images before it is used for routine work.
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