HOME / ACADEMY
CDX Academy
40 detailed lessons in industrial documentation, CAD communication, quality records and ERP data preparation. Work through examples, interactive process diagrams, practical exercises and knowledge checks.
The certificate recognises completion of all 40 lessons and their knowledge checks. It is not an accredited qualification. Earlier reading-only progress requires the new knowledge checks.
Document numbers and naming
Define a stable identifier separate from the filename description. A number identifies the document; a revision identifies its app…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Document control · 02Revision history
A revision tells a reader which approved state they are using. Record what changed and why, and connect the change to a request or…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Document control · 03Document registers
A register is a control tool, not just a filename list. Track expected deliverables even before files exist. Use a clear status vo…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Document control · 04Transmittals and issue records
A transmittal records exactly what was issued, to whom and for what purpose. Include document numbers, revisions and the requested…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Document control · 05Review comments and closure
Assign each comment an identifier, owner, response and closure status. Consolidate conflicting reviewer instructions before editin…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Document control · 06Controlled templates
Templates standardise metadata, headings and presentation. They do not establish technical correctness. Control the template versi…
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 07Reading orthographic views
Orthographic views describe the same part from different directions. Establish the projection convention before relating features …
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 08Dimensions and units
A dimension expresses a required value with a defined unit and context. Check the drawing’s unit convention and avoid duplicate di…
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 09Tolerances and fits
A tolerance defines permitted variation around a requirement. It affects manufacturing, inspection and assembly. Drafters communic…
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 10Datums and references
A datum provides an agreed reference for describing or checking a feature. Datum selection relates to function and inspection and …
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 11Drawing title blocks
Title blocks connect the geometry to its identity, revision, units and approval status. They also carry project conventions and so…
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 12Assembly structures
An assembly structure explains how components and subassemblies belong together. Stable structure supports BOMs, drawing reference…
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 13Exploded views
Exploded views separate components to show relationships and identification. Choose spacing and orientation that keep callouts rea…
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 14Sheet metal documentation
Sheet metal drawings may require formed views, flat patterns and approved bend data. Material, thickness, tooling and process infl…
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 15Weldment drawings
Weldment documentation connects the approved structure, member identification and joining requirements. Welding symbols and requir…
7 min · Open lesson ↗CAD foundations · 16Native and neutral CAD files
Native files preserve software-specific structure; neutral files support interchange but may lose features or metadata. Confirm re…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Parts and assets · 17Bills of materials
A BOM describes the approved items and quantities for a defined product structure. State whether quantities are per assembly, mach…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Parts and assets · 18Illustrated parts catalogues
A useful catalogue links a recognisable view to an item reference and orderable part. Include equipment applicability and variant …
7 min · Open lesson ↗Parts and assets · 19Serial number applicability
Serial ranges and configuration references explain which machines a document applies to. Changes may affect only part of a product…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Parts and assets · 20Spare parts descriptions
Descriptions should help a reader distinguish parts while the identifier remains the primary key. Use consistent terminology and a…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Parts and assets · 21Asset registers
An asset register connects equipment identity to location, supplier, configuration and supporting records. Decide the level of equ…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Manuals and procedures · 22Operation manual structure
Organise the manual around the operator’s tasks and approved equipment information. Separate reference material from step-by-step …
7 min · Open lesson ↗Manuals and procedures · 23Writing task instructions
Give each procedure a purpose, prerequisites, clear actions and a defined completion point. Use consistent component names and avo…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Manuals and procedures · 24Warnings and limitations
Warnings must relate to identified risks and approved controls. Placement and wording matter, but documentation cannot eliminate a…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Manuals and procedures · 25Maintenance schedules
Schedules link approved tasks to intervals and operating conditions. Keep the requirement source visible and distinguish calendar,…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Manuals and procedures · 26Troubleshooting guides
A troubleshooting guide connects an observed symptom to approved checks and escalation points. Keep assumptions visible and identi…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Manuals and procedures · 27Technical illustrations
An illustration should answer a specific reader question. Choose the view and detail level for that purpose, then use consistent l…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Manuals and procedures · 28Glossaries and terminology
A shared glossary reduces confusion between engineering, production and service teams. Record preferred terms, permitted abbreviat…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Manuals and procedures · 29Usability reviews
Test whether the intended reader can locate and interpret information. Use realistic information-finding tasks without instructing…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Quality and handover · 30Manufacturing data records
An MDR compiles required evidence against an agreed index. It may include approved drawings, inspection records, certificates and …
7 min · Open lesson ↗Quality and handover · 31Inspection and test plans
An ITP identifies agreed inspections, responsibilities and required records. Hold and witness points have contractual significance…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Quality and handover · 32Material certificate traceability
A certificate is useful only when it can be connected to the relevant material or component. Preserve heat, batch and item referen…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Quality and handover · 33Nonconformance records
A nonconformance record describes a departure, its disposition and the authorised decision. Distinguish correction from investigat…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Quality and handover · 34Final handover packages
A handover pack should match the agreed deliverable list and be navigable by the recipient. Check file completeness, revisions, bo…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Digital information · 35Searchable PDFs and bookmarks
Searchable text, meaningful headings and bookmarks improve navigation in large packs. Verify that search works after export and th…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Digital information · 36ERP migration discovery
Start by defining systems, data owners, scope and the business meaning of each field. Agree what must migrate and what should be a…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Digital information · 37Field mapping and transformation
A mapping states how each source field becomes a target field, including types, units, defaults and required values. Document tran…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Digital information · 38Data cleansing and validation
Validate duplicates, required values, reference integrity and business rules before import. Separate confirmed corrections from un…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Digital information · 39Sandbox imports and reconciliation
Test imports in an isolated environment with approved data. Compare record counts, totals and relationships, then inspect represen…
7 min · Open lesson ↗Professional practice · 40Confidentiality and technical sign-off
Use only authorised source material and agree access arrangements before sharing sensitive information. A documentation preparer i…
7 min · Open lesson ↗