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1. Where can I find the ELV Directive and the latest version of Annex II?
Ans: Here you can download the EU ELV Directive 2000/53/EC (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/elv_directive.pdf) and the latest version of the Annex II (Version: September 2008) (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/elv_amendment_annex_II_2008.pdf)
2. Is there a clear definition for "homogeneous material" according to the ELV directive?
Ans: Yes. This can be shown using the example of a multiple coated screw.
Each layer on its own is defined as a "homogeneous material”. This means that a screw [whose metal body is coated with a zinc alloy, followed by a passivation layer, finished by a 'top coat'] has four homogeneous materials: the body of the screw and three homogeneous coating layers.
3. Is there a recommendation for a common interpretation of the entries for the ELV Directive, Annex II exemptions in the name of VDA and ACEA?
Ans: Here you can download a recommendation of the VDA and the ACEA on a common interpretation of the exemptions listed in the ELV Directive, Annex II:
Recommendation of the VDA and ACEA (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/industry_recommendation_annexII_interpretation.pdf) TOP
4. Is it necessary that labels on wiring harnesses have to appear in the IMDS breakdown?
Ans: If the label is part of the wiring harness it is necessary to declare the label.
If necessary a label can be mentioned in a very general way.
5. Are there any hints on declaration of material data relating to products and components in IMDS?
Ans: There are two documents provided here:
Chemical Industry:
Declaration of material data relating to products and components in IMDS (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/declaration_materialdata_IMDS_17-10-01.pdf)
Lubricant Industry:
Auxiliary Agreement between VSI, VCI, and VDA on Material Data Declaration for Products / Components in IMDS (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/VCI-VSI-VDA-agreement_29-04-2002.pdf) TOP
6. Which norms for designation of components and materials have been layed down by the ECC according to directive 2000/53/EC?
Ans: According to the Directive 2000/53/EC the ECC has layed down norms for designation of components and materials. Car manufacturers in agreement with material and supplier industries, have to use the nomenclature of ISO designation norms for components and materials, and identification of components and materials used for cars that are provided in the addendum the ECC Guideline (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/EU_Guideline.pdf)
7. Are there any IMDS data entry requirements available?
Ans: Since IMDS Release 1.9.1 the data entry recommendations are available in the application after login.
8. What is the car manufacturers' position towards the IMDS?
Ans: The members of the IMDS Steering Committee have composed a position paper which you can find attached. (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/en/Position_en.pdf) TOP
9. Does the IMDS require a full disclosure of the formulation?
Ans: A disclosure of formulation with regard to the registration of materials and substances via the IMDS is not requested. As it is generally known, components of formulations are among substances also the associated manufacturing- and process parameters. Latter are in regard to the IMDS not of interest. In the Material Data Sheet Part 2 (Constituents in Purchased Parts) the materials and their substances must be declared by naming the CAS-Number. For this, the CAS-Number-Index which is integral to IMDS will be helpful. The meaning of 'constituents' is exemplified in the VDA volume 2, page 64 footnote c: ... additives in plastic and elastomers (fillers, stabilizers, accelerator, residual monomers etc.) and impurities in the form of companion elements/foreign substances down to a limit of 0.1% (compare footnote f). For further questions, please get in contact with the representatives of the automotive industry (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/en/kon_frameset_en.htm)
10. What is the preferred language in IMDS to enter material data?
Ans: The IMDS steering committee recommends English as the preferred choice for entering material data. As the supply chain is made up of international companies, this will facilitate the understanding of each other's material information entered into IMDS.
11. What administration functions can a Client Manager perform?
Ans: Here you can download a step-by-step documentation on the administration functions for Client Managers in Release 6.1:
Client Manager administration Functions in IMDS Release 6.1 (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/client_manager_functions_in_release_6.1.pdf) TOP
12. What is the process for company reorganization in IMDS and how much does it cost?
Ans: All information regarding the reorganization of your IMDS company data can be found on our service pages under menu item IMDS Reorganization. (http://services.mdsystem.com/magnoliaPublic/en/services/imds_comp_reorg.html)
Is it possible to upload data into the Material Datasheet using an interface?
A new interface to upload your data into the Material Datasheet via an XML-Interface can be licensed. For further information please follow the link to the EDS/IMDS Services website. (http://services.mdsystem.com/magnoliaPublic/en/services/imds_ai.html)
13. What’s new in IMDS Release 6.1?
Here you can download a document which describes the enhancements of IMDS Release 6.1 step by step:
Enhancements of IMDS Release 6.1 (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/whats_new_in_imds_release_6.1.pdf)
14. Why am I getting the 10% warning of undeclared substances?
Ans: When calculating the maximum amount of jokers used in a material, IMDS uses "worst case" calculation. The value given as "rest" on the joker substances is not the same as the value used in the warning calculation.
The 10% warning requires a bit of understanding on how the calculations work. For example, if you have a material comprised of substance a, substance b, substance c, and a joker:
Substance a - range from 25 to 29 - weighted average 27
Substance b - range from 36 to 40 - weighted average 38
Substance c - range from 26 to 30 - weighted average 28
Joker - REST - 7%
But
- Even though substance a has a weighted average of 27, it COULD have as little as 25% of substance a
- Even though substance b has a weighted average of 38, it COULD have as little as 36% of substance b
- Even though substance c has a weighted average of 28, it COULD have as little as 26% of substance c
So really, for sure, all we know that the total of substance a, b, and c are 87% so the joker could be 13% which is > 10% and sets off the warning.
Additionally, should you use a range on a joker such as Joker - from 9% to 11%, the maximum value of the range is used in the calculation.
To avoid this warning, do not use "rest" on a joker substance. TOP
15: Is there another explanation for the permitted ranges in Recommendation 001?
Ans: To determine the range permitted and not receive the Recommendation 001 warning
- Note your material classification.
- Use the Material classification to find the right table - most will use the 3rd table
- Note your lower limit
- Select the correct row in the table paying particular attention to the breakpoints. If it is on the border, the higher row in the table is used.
- Find the associated M value
- Add M to the lower limit to get the maximum allowable upper value that will not generate a warning.
Please note that while the IMDS System allows you to send an MDS with warnings, it is up to your customer to decide whether to accept a warning or not.
16. Why am I getting more errors and warnings since IMDS Release 6.0?
Ans: Although it appears that Release 6.0 brought new requirements, it did not. What has changed is the way the checks were made. Prior to Release 6.0, the checks were made only of non-released data sheets and there was no capability for a customer to review the data sheet for the warnings the supplier was ignoring. As a response to supplier requests, Release 6.0 brought a complete check of the tree both when sending/proposing and when accepting. This has resulted in making visible all the warnings the suppliers were ignoring in the past and making it easier for a customer to enforce his requirements.
The range warnings and 10% warning was implemented in Release 4.0 (2006). Recommendation 001 range requirements were published in 2003. TOP
17. Is there any information on the new European Regulation on Chemicals (REACH) and the impact on IMDS?
Ans: As of June 2007, the European Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) entered into force.
REACH affects all industries, including the Automotive Industry (AI). As the AI is made up of vehicle manufacturers and many tiers of the supply chain, it has several roles and obligations under REACH. Action is required from the OEMs and suppliers, some immediately and some over the coming 11 years and beyond.
One of the requirements of REACH is that manufacturers and importers have a duty to register, for each legal entity, substances on their own, or in preparations that they produce or import in quantities over 1 tonne per year (per manufacturer/importer), unless the substance is exempt from registration. Registration requirements also apply to substance(s) intentionally released from articles under certain conditions, in which case the article producer/importer is responsible for the registration.
It is of key importance to take advantage of the pre-registration option in REACH. Pre-registration of substances on their own, in preparations, or substances intentionally released from articles will take place between 1 June and 1 December 2008. Taking advantage of pre-registration allows for a transitional period to the registration process and allows continued production and use of substances until 2010 to 2018, depending on annual tonnage. Without pre-registration, substances have to be registered immediately. Without Registration, Substances can not be marketed in the EU. Pre-registration is free of charge and very simple, requiring only basic information.
Please consider that:
- Companies that do not comply with REACH will have no market. REACH poses a threat to any company doing business in the EU (and businesses with customers who do business in the EU).
- Business continuity can be adversely impacted by REACH and supply chains can be disrupted.
- Companies that understand the business implications and impacts of REACH and develop strategic action plans will gain competitive edge over those that do not.
In order to be prepared for REACH, representatives of all the major vehicle manufacturers and the automotive supply chain around the world formed the TF-REACH to develop an Automotive Industry Guideline on REACH (AIG) which can be used to get a quick overview of REACH, its requirements and the recommended actions. Since April 30th 2008, Version 2.1 can be found at: www.acea.be/reach/.
This information letter is considered to support the industry wide activities to create REACH-awareness throughout the whole supply chain with a newly added REACH function in IMDS.
It is likely that you already have been or will be approached by your customer with a dedicated REACH letter requiring your companies' feedback, especially the name of your responsible REACH contact. Any specific customer's request will prevail over the newly added REACH functions in IMDS.
Please provide this information to the REACH contact person in your company. There is no need to reply to this communication.
IMDS will provide within its next release an additional REACH-contact field (on Company and not Material Data Sheet Level) to support better REACH-communication throughout the supply chain. Please note that use of this new function will NOT replace your obligation to provide the contact information by the direct customer specific communication requirements.
The Automotive Industry Guideline on REACH also recommends that IMDS will be used to collect information about Substances of Very High Concern in Articles. Minor necessary modifications of the system will be implemented to optimize this process. It is possible that in order to ensure compliance to the regulation, IMDS data sheets may need to be re-submitted for each active part number to include any SVHC-Candidate that has been added to the GADSL. This especially applies to substances that were hidden up to now by a wild card or as confidential.
REACH: Standard Communication along the Supply Chain (1)
Recommendation and Requests from Downstream User (Customer) to Suppliers regarding Pre-registration / Registration
Concerning all products supplied to your customer that are defined as Substances, Preparations or Articles according to the REACH terminology.
- At this stage, it is strongly recommended and expected that all substances, which require registration and are contained in the products you are supplying to your customer, will be pre-registered (between 1 June and 1 December 2008) by your company or by your upstream supplier.
- At this stage, it is also recommended and expected that all substances, which require registration and are contained in the products you are supplying to your customer, will be registered. (2)
- Regarding the substances that are contained in the product and require registration - please take note of the crucial REACH registration deadlines for those substances which are decisive for the product properties.
- It is expected that your business will take organizational measures to manage the implementation of the REACH regulation requirements including appointing an Only Representative in the EU if applicable.
- If you do not intend to pre-register any substance that is currently in use, please get in contact with the REACH contact person for each of your customers.
- It is expected that you will appoint a single point contact for your company covering all legal entities.
- Your single point contact details.
Provide to each of your customers full contact details for the person in your company responsible for REACH issues as requested via your customer specific communication requirements.
(1) The information contained in this letter expresses only the intention of the requester and does not constitute a legally binding obligation. Whilst the information is provided in utmost good faith, no representations or warranties are made with regards to its completeness or accuracy and no liability will be accepted for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on the information.
(2) See section 5.7 of the Automotive Guideline on "Registrations of substances in articles". TOP
18. What's new in IMDS Release 6.0?
Ans: Here you can download a document which describes the enhancements of IMDS Release 6.0 step by step:
Enhancements of IMDS Release 6.0 (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/whats_new_in_imds_release_6.0.pdf)
19. How will the password change work because of new password length with IMDS Release 6.0?
The new password rules must be applied only with the next issued password change. Either latest after 90 days after the last change (because after 90 days the users must change their password) or when the user triggers a password change himself
20. What is the updated recommendation of the Automotive Industry to REACH?
Ans: In preparation for REACH, representatives of all the major vehicle manufacturers and the automotive supply chain formed a Task Force on REACH (TF-REACH). The TF aims to recommend a common schedule and external communication strategy, which will harmonize the sector's response to REACH and avoid duplication and confusion. The TF's approach and recommendations are outlined in this Automotive Industry Guideline on REACH (AIG) which could be downloaded free of charge under www.acea.be/index.php/news/category/reach/.
A second version of the Automotive Industry Guides for REACH (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/press_release_aig_on_reach_v2.pdf)can be downloaded here. TOP
21. Why is a substance marked D, P, or D/P in IMDS and it isn't on the GADSL?
Ans: The GADSL list is not meant to be an exhaustive list although must users consider it as such. GADSL contains only substances that are expected to be on the vehicle as sold or at its end of life. There are many substances in the basic substance list that are under legislation as reportable or prohibited, but these are processing chemicals. Basic substances are added per user request with no quality judgment as to whether they would be on the vehicle as sold
22. Is there an overview of IMDS OEMs' acceptance criteria available?
Ans: The following document was presented at IMDS events of AIAG and CLEPA in October 2007:
IMDS OEMs' acceptance criteria (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/oem_acceptance_criteria_nov2007.pdf)
23. Is there a proposal, how to evaluate the established IMDS process regarding the efficiency and the effectiveness and to identify potentials for optimization within these processes?
Ans: Here you can download a document describing how to evaluate the established IMDS process regarding the efficiency and the effectiveness and to identify potentials for optimization within these processes. (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/imds_efficiency_and_effectiveness_v_1_2.pdf) TOP
24. Is there any information on Registering my Company in IMDS?
Ans: Before registering your company, please read the attached file (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/imds_registering_tips.pdf)
25. Why can’t I find my supplier material after 5.0 was implemented?
Ans: In 5.0, changes were made to the search features - Please read "What is new in IMDS Release 5.0?" for a complete explanation. Additionally, under the How to Tips of the FAQs, please read "How to find things in IMDS Release 5.0”
26. I want to browse a Specific Supplier's published entries -
Ans: In the Supplier Selection: check published MDSs, use the - sign after highlighting each of
the IMDS Committee companies (they will return on next search) to remove them from the list and then use the + sign to search for a specific supplier and add to your Favorite supplier list. If you take the default, it will be saved for next time. If you do not remove the IMDS Committee companies and do not put anything in the search fields, the IMDS Committee MDSs are listed first and since these number > 500, you will never get to your supplier entries TOP
27. My ID is locked, how do I reset my password?
Ans: Firstly, IMDS ONLY communicates login information to the email that is on the User ID in the system. To check if it is your user ID, use the Forgot ID button on the login screen (top button on right) and enter your email address. If you get an email back from IMDS-Boarding@eds.com with an ID, you know that everything should be OK for you to use the new password button.
28. What you should know about IMDS...
Ans: Here you can download a document which attempts to give a little insight into how IMDS works in an effort to improve your IMDS experience: What you should know about IMDS (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/what_you_should_know_about_imds.pdf)
29. What is new in IMDS Release 4.1?
Ans: Here you can download a step-by-step documentation on the changes in Release 4.1:
Changes in IMDS Release 4.1 https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/new_in_release_4.1_en.pdf)
30. Does packaging material have to be reported in IMDS?
Ans: No, packaging material (like LCD protection plastic) does not have to be reported in IMDS, because it does not remain in the car during its use by the final customer. TOP
31. What does "Confidential substances" mean?
Ans: In Prior releases of IMDS, users were confused about the term "secret substances". This appears when the creator of the material checks the box "confidential" on the ingredients chapter. Only users in the creating company can actually see the substance - all other users in other companies see "Confidential Substances".
No substance that is flagged as D, P, or D/P can be marked confidential at the time of the material creation. No joker/wildcard can be marked confidential. There is no joker/wildcard "confidential substance" or "secret substance". For clarity, the text has been changed from "secret substances" to "confidential substances".
32. How can I find out the information on the user who rejected my submission?
Ans: Some customers have a process that incorporates contact information into the rejection text. However, this is optional. Should you need to know how to contact the person who rejected your MDS:
1. Go to your Sent Items and search out and highlight the rejected MDS
2. there is an underlined link: recd - click on that
3. All the information about the MDS and the user who rejected it is displayed - caution, although the email should be accurate because of password resets, frequently some dialing codes are missing in the phone number. TOP
33. What does status "prec" mean on the Sent or Receive Search Screens?
Ans: "prec" means "in process at recipient"
With Release 3.0, IMDS Advanced Interface Users had the option of offloading the MDSs in their incoming list to an in house system so some of the checks could be automated. Companies who select this option also have the option of setting the company up for changing the status of incoming datasheets via XML code.
When an MDS has the status "prec", the recipient company has chosen this option and the status will remain "prec" until the recipient company changes it to "acpt" or "recd" via XML code.
The sending company cannot delete the MDS or delete the recipient company off the MDS while it is in this status.
34. Is there a need to report User manuals within IMDS?
Ans: The car manufactures do not request to report user manuals within IMDS, e.g. handbooks for radios or infotainment systems.
35. Which duty-to-declare or prohibited substances are contained in the GADSL?
Ans: Since Release 2.2 there is the Global Automotive Declarable Substance List (GADSL) which can be downloaded in its up-to-date version:
GADSL list for duty-to-declare and prohibited basic substances in IMDS (http://www.gadsl.org/) TOP
36. What is a Joker and what is a Pseudo-Substance?
Ans: In the basic substance list in IMDS there are three different types of substances. Since there are limitations in e.g. IMDS Recommendation 001 on how to use these substances it is important to know the difference between them. The following types exist:
1. Regular basic substance - This is a basic substance that has a CAS-No. meaning it is a clearly defined substance. Water (CAS-No. 7732-18-5) is a good example.
2. Pseudo-Substance - A pseudo-substance gives an accurate description of the substance or the substance group but does not have a CAS-No. Some examples are "Acrylic resin" or "Cotton-fibre". It is important to point out that these substances are accepted as real substances in IMDS and are not considered as wildcards. They are therefore allowed to be used within the 90% disclosure rule according to the IMDS Recommendation 001.
3. Jokers or Wildcards - These substances do not define a specific substance. Examples are "Miscellaneous" or "Not yet defined". Please note that any declarable substance is not allowed to be replaced by a joker. According to Recommendation 001 only 10% of the substances in a material are allowed to be covered by a joker.
Here you can download a description of the difference between Jokers and Pseudo-Substances (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/jokers_pseudo_substances.pdf)
37. Is there any recommendation by the IMDS Steering Committee for documenting labels in IMDS?
Ans: No, there is no recommendation on labels in IMDS. The IMDS Steering Committee agreed upon a common means for documenting labels in IMDS and provided several label semi-components in IMDS.
More information on how you can find these label semi-components and reference them is found here:
Label semi-components in IMDS (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/label_en.pdf)
38. Why can I not find CAS number 65997-17-3 (Glass Fibres) anymore?
Ans: As documented in the Recommendation link, of IMDS Basic Substance Changes, BSCJune302004.pdf, Glass Fibres, CAS number 65997-17-3 was being removed as it was a duplicate.
If you search on Man-Made Fibre, you will find GF-Fibre that may be used. (see also Recommendation 004 for textiles and how fibres can be found) TOP
39. Why am I not finding Talc and Epoxy Resins any more when I search by CAS number?
Ans: There have been some recent updates to the basic substance list, especially with Talc and Epoxy Resins. While these basic substances have not been deleted, their CAS numbers have been and you will need to do a name search instead of a CAS number search. This is the explanation:
Epoxy Resin: Epoxy Resin is always used in a cured state on the vehicle. Epoxy Resin can be used as basic substance in Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) (e.g.) or paints. The supplier is using the resin in a cured state and why the comment:" part of a polymeric network" was added. When the resin is part of such a network, you don't need the CAS number any more. That's why we have deleted the many different Epoxy Resins (and other resins). Epoxy Resin can be used without the CAS number. For further information, please see Recommendation IMDS011 (Coatings) or IMDS 017 (FRPs).
Talc: Talc can be used as Filler for plastics and Recommendation 010 for Plastics is being updated. The comment "Filler ISO 1043-2:" has been added to Talc.
In other words, please do not ask the helpdesk to add an Epoxy Resin or Talc with CAS numbers to the basic substance list.
40. Why are the jokers containing a comment now "not to declare"?
Ans: This is to make each user of jokers aware, that it is very important to work in accordance with Recommendation IMDS001. A joker shall not replace restricted or declarable (reportable) substances according to GADSL(formerly according to the VDA list). If a specific percentage of jokers is used in an MDS the jokers must not be used instead of any substance listed on GADSL
41. Is there any information on the conversion to CrVI-free coatings for screws?
Ans: The German Association "Deutscher Schraubenverband e.V." collected information for its members for the conversion to CrVI-free coatings for screws: Conversion to Cr(VI)-free coatings for screws (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/dsv_cr6_free_coatings_en.pdf) TOP
42. What does the new warning message about deleted MDSs/basic substances mean?
Ans: With Release 2.1.1 there is a new warning message about deleted MDSs or basic substances on the tree.
Deleted MDSs
MDSs can be deleted by all users for a variety of reasons. If such a deleted MDS is referenced in another MDS a warning message comes up when somebody tries to send or check this respective MDS containing a deleted MDS. However, the MDS can nonetheless be sent.
Deleted basic substances
In rare cases also basic substances are deleted from the IMDS. This is carried out when the basic substance is available in IMDS in a wrong way (e.g. as a duplicate). Then one of the two duplicates will be left in the system but logically deleted in order to keep existing references in those MDSs using this basic substance.
Additionally, the second version of this duplicate remains in the system and can be used as before. This has been known to upload/download users, but with this release 2.1.1. Every user is made aware.
For the deleted substances, the CAS number will still be in the system but internal to the system it has a different pointer in the database and the old pointer is no longer valid - generating a warning message. The old reference is no longer available for further referencing. This was already the case before the Release 2.1.1. but was not shown to the users. The background for this change is a better data quality - before one references data which have already been deleted the system generates a warning.
Technically, you can still send an MDS with this warning message. It is not a problem with IMDS. However, as each customer requirement is different, we cannot say whether it will be accepted by your customer if there are warnings. Rejecting an MDS for this reason however is technically not possible if only the IMDS online application is used - because without accepting the client can not see - as he could not see it before - if a deleted MDS/basic substance is referenced. An exception is the use of inhouse systems for analysis - those users might have more possibilities to search for deleted items.
To resolve the warning, you will need to either create a new version of the material or have your supplier create a new version and put on the proper substance and release it, and then go to wherever they had the problem material and delete off the old version of the material and add the new version.
Depending on the structure, this may require several levels of change - for example if a component has a sub-component (with a black dot in the icon) attached and the material is attached to the sub-component, they will need to:
1. change the material and release the MDS
2. Edit the sub-component deleting off the old version of the material and adding the new one and releasing the sub-component, and
3. Edit the component deleting off the sub-component and adding in the new version of the sub-component and send it to your customer.
You may wish to use analysis to find where the material with the deleted substance or deleted MDS is attached. TOP
43. Is there any explanation on deleting material data sheets?
Ans: Delete really doesn't delete an MDS or basic substance from the system - deleting just makes it unavailable for attaching to future MDSs.
The deleted MDS/substance will still appear on any component, semi-component, or material it's attached to. If that component, semi-component, or material has been made productive prior to deletion, it can be attached to any future component, semi-component, or material from now until IMDS expires.
However, if someone wants to make a copy or new version of a component, semi-component, or material that has a deleted MDS/substance attached at the first level (child attached directly to the top of the tree), they will get an error message and they will have to remove the deleted MDS/substance from the tree and add something else.
As far as the send/receive lists. Delete will not remove an MDS from either of these lists. All deleting will do is to change the status to cbs (cancelled by sender). The user can use the filter and not display those with status cbs, but they will not disappear from the lists.
Now with material deletes, one must be very careful. Since materials are multi-lingual, both English and German names and trade names are displayed as results of a search. If it has the same ID/Version, it is the same location in the database.You cannot delete one without deleting both!
To correct the problem: if the material is not in handshake mode and has a decimal version, you can modify the material. Then you need to go to the pulldown beside Name and select DE and delete whatever is in that box. Then go to the pulldown beside Tradename and select DE and delete whatever is in that box. Then save and you should see only one in the search results. If you cannot modify the ingredients screen, you will need to copy/new version the MDS and perform the same actions
44. How can hexavalent chromium (CrVI) in chromatized Zinc and Zinc Alloy coatings be estimated?
Ans: Please read the related IMDS recommendations 008 and 009 in the IMDS application. After login to IMDS you can find it under the menu item Recommendations TOP
45. What is the Upload/Download license I've been hearing about?
Ans: The Upload add-on to the IMDS was designed to facilitate data entry for those suppliers who have a large amount of data to upload and/or have most of the data in another system and see no need to rekey everything. A basic overview of the process can be found on the Service Pages of IMDS.( http://services.mdsystem.com/magnoliaPublic/en/services/imds_ai.html)
Basically, communication with the site is done through XML code.You can either write your own using a text editor or you can use one of the XML tools to create XML code.
Using the Upload you can create material datasheets, internally release, send, propose, publish and update them through XML as you would do online. You can also handle MDS Requests through XML.
For using the Upload process you need to read out the Download files to get pointers that you incorporate in your system in order to get your MDSs appropriately linked with information already in IMDS (such as Basic Substances, Published MDSs, Accepted MDSs, and company-created MDSs). Furthermore, the Download files include the tree structure of the MDSs that are visible to your organization - not just the node-IDs. This information is useful for those who have PDM systems and wish to do further analysis.
46. Is there a description concerning confidentiality handling?
Ans: Here you can download a short description, how you can grant access to confidential data to certain users in the IMDS, i.e. these users of other companies can see the basic substances you marked as confidential
47. What provisions are there for the quality of data entered into the system?
Ans: MDS quality control is the responsibility of the creator and receiver of the data sheet. However, there are several checks performed on mandatory fields (e.g. for some classifications the symbol field must be filled in) and the contents of fields (e.g. the name of the MDS must be different from the default name) in IMDS.
The quality control of the Basic Substance list is the responsiblity of IMDS TOP
48. Why can one not find lead or any other element by its chemical symbol?
Ans: Searching by the chemical symbol is not currently in the design requirements of IMDS. At this time, it has been decided to use names from literature.
49. How can fastener surfaces be calculated?
Ans: The surface is necessary for the calculation of the weight of coatings. The attached Excel sheet (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/en/DSV-Berechnungsprogramm_en.xls) will facilitate the calculation of fastener surfaces for IMDS.
50. Is it possible to organize in-house training?
Ans: We offer in-house training in addition to the public trainings. These trainings are similar to the common IMDS trainings with regard to agenda and content but take place in your company. This allows us to tailor the training to your company's requirements.
A qualified trainer, provided by us, will be in charge of the training. The infrastructure (PCs with access to the Internet, rooms) will have to be provided by the company to be trained. The training fees contain operation of the training server and upfront testing of the configuration.
The data entered during training CANNOT be transferred to the productive system.
For further questions, please contact the IMDS Service Center (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/en/kon_frameset_en.htm) or send an email to the IMDS Training Coordinator.( mailto:ilona.pollok@eds.com) TOP
51. What can be done in case of bad performance?
Ans: Please be aware that web-applications cannot reach the performance of a locally installed software because of the public internet between the end-user and the central database respectively application. IMDS contains a tool called Performance Index that can be reached from the IMDS Help window within the application. The Performance Index measures different areas of the IMDS architecture which gives first hints to determine the performance bottleneck. In case of ongoing bad performance you may contact the IMDS Helpdesk asking for further investigations coming from your internet connection over the public internet.
For further questions please get in contact with one of the IMDS Service Centers (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/en/kon_frameset_en.htm)
52. How can I find where I've used a particular substance or how can I analyze MDSs or how can the Analysis function be best used?
Ans: Here you can download IMDS Analyze tips. (https://www.mdsystem.com/html/data/imds_analyze_tips.pdf)
53. What does "Forwarding allowed" mean and how does it work?
Ans: This option is situated in the Copy screen after carrying out a search for accepted MDSs.
Search --> accepted MDSs --> Copy --> in the copy screen: "Forwarding". Then the ingredients chapter cannot be changed. The forwarder has to fill in the 3rd chapter with his own details and to chose a recipient or several recipients in the fourth chapter in order to pass this unchanged MDS to the customer.
The following rules apply if this Forwarding function is used:
- If an MDS is sent, the "Forwarding allowed" tick box has to be left activated in the fourth chapter when the MDS is passed on. Otherwise the recipient cannot forward this MDS.
- Only accepted or internally released MDSs can be forwarded.
- There can only be one Forward version of an accepted MDS.
- An accepted MDS can only be proposed.
- A forwarded MDS may not be edited (except from chapters 3 and 4).
- A forwarded MDS may not be referenced (only the originally accepted MDS can be referenced TOP
54. Why is my customer not seeing my changes in either the Part Number or Description?
Ans: IMDS has been set up so that a supplier can propose the same MDS to many different customers without the supplier having to make copies and yet each customer will receive their specific purchase part information.
How this works is that in the customer's view, IMDS places the Part number and Description from the Recipient page onto the Ingredients page. In version .01, when you add the recipient, the information from the Ingredients page is copied to the Recipient information. However, when you modify the original version or copy/new version, the information on the recipient page is not updated.
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