Engineering Change Notice (ECN)

What is an ECN?

An ECN is an Engineering Change Notice. It is a process complete with paperwork that describes, records and after being approved executes a design change to a part, process, or procedure that has already been passed from Engineering to Production (ie., is already being sold). The design change is typically slight in magnitude. 

When is an ECN used?

An ECN is used when a part that is already being sold needs to be modified. This may be due to new customer requirements for the part, an opportunity to improve the manufacturability/reliability/cost-effectiveness of the part, or a deficiency discovered in the design. 

How to search existing ECN's:

1. From your computer: open the company --> Engineering --> Production folder

2. Open the Released for Production Special Documentation folder

3. Open the 500000-549999, ECN's folder (\\SV-100\Company\Production\Released-For-Production-Engineering-Documents\Released for Production Special Documentation\1500000-1549999, ECN's)

4. Look for the ECN you are interested in by ECN number

                                  OR

1. From your computer: Open the Company --> Engineering --> Production folder

2. Open the Released for Production Special Documentation folder

3. Right click on the 500000-549999, ECN's folder (\\SV-100\Company\Production\Released for Production Engineering Documents\Released for Production Special Documentation\1500000-1549999, ECN's )

4. Choose Find from the pop-up list

5. Enter your search criteria and click the Find Now button

   • Recommended search criteria is *.doc in the 'Named:' field and the part# or name you are interested in, in the 'containing text:' field. 

How to execute an ECN:

1. From your computer:  Open the Company-->Engineering-->Manufacturing folder

2. Open the Released For Production Special Documentation folder

3. Open the 500000-549999, ECN's folder ( \\SV-100\Company\Production\Released for Production Engineering Documents\Released for Production Special Documentation\1500000-1549999, ECN's )

4. Open the ECN template in MS Word by double-clicking the "!ECN Form.dot" file

5. Follow the instructions in the file "!ECN Form Instructions.doc" file on how to fill out the form.

6. When you try to save the form, you will be prompted for a location.  Choose a folder within your personal network folder (the folder named the same as your username) and name it as "ECN# <ECNNumberHere> on part# <PartNumberHere> - <short (30-60 character) description>.doc"

7. Print out a copy of the form and attach any drawings/supporting documentation.

8. Get approval from the parties listed on the form.  Note that this may involve an iterative process of getting feedback, modifying your documentation and/or design change, and re-requesting approval.  The individual parties' approvals are signified with their individual signatures on the ECN form.

9. Put the hard copy (printed out copy complete with signatures and attached documentation) in the appropriate folder within the double-door black file cabinet.

10. Email the electronic copy, complete with checked boxes in place of signatures (including dates), to the network Administrator so that he/she can put it in the Company folder in the ECN section.  In this way the large number of ECN's that MFT will acquire over many years can be electronically searched and, if desired, statistics on the ECN's can be easily gathered and analyzed.