The item class is used to hold the data related to a certain type of equipment. An item class can hold failure analysis data such as functions, fault types, symptoms, causes, failing components and corrective actions. Item classes can be arranged as a hierarchy and can inherit attributes from parent classes. Item classes are used for narrowing down options in the preparation and reporting stages of a work order and for failure analysis.
Item classes can be connected to equipment objects, parts, object types, linear asset segments, linear asset objects, segment types, linear asset types, tool/equipment objects, PM programs, and work task templates.
In PM program preparation, applicable work task templates, equipment objects, linear assets, and tool/equipment are filtered down based on the item class. In fault reporting and entering service requests, the item class will be used to filter symptoms that are relevant to the type of equipment. In work order preparation, applicable work task templates/corrective actions are filtered down based on the item class and symptom. In work order reporting, the item class is used to filter down applicable values for fault types, causes and functions. In analysis, item classes can be used in information sources, for example with IFS Business Reporter.