Method and system for linking fixture alignment modifications with a workpiece

A method for linking dimensional features of a fixture with a workpiece, the method comprising:

• storing, by a repository, a plurality of fixture records for a plurality of registered fixture module, wherein each fixture record includes a fixture portion to identify a fixture associated with the fixture module and a workpiece entry portion to link the registered fixture module with a subject workpiece, the workpiece entry portion includes a fixture modification field to identify modifications made to the fixture for mounting the subject workpiece on the fixture and the fixture is configured to align a workpiece at a desired coordinate or position and restrict movement of the workpiece;
• associating a plurality of barcode stamps with the plurality of fixture records, wherein each barcode stamp is configured to include data to identify a fixture record from among the plurality of fixture records;
• displaying, by a controller, a linkage interface in response to a barcode stamp among the plurality of barcode stamps being scanned, the linkage interface having multiple query fields to be populated by a user via an external computing device, wherein the multiple query fields includes a workpiece identification field to obtain information regarding the workpiece and a fixture modification field to obtain information regarding a modification to the fixture due to the workpiece;
• extracting, by the controller, data from one or more of the populated query fields from among the multiple query fields of the interface;
• and
• storing, by the controller, the extracted data in the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record associated with the scanned barcode stamp;
• and
• monitoring changes to a manufacturing process of the workpiece as a function of modifications made to the fixture during mounting of the workpiece on the fixture.

A vehicular dimensional automated linkage system comprising:

• a fixture configured to align a workpiece at a desired coordinate or position and restrict movement of the workpiece;
• a repository storing a fixture record for a fixture module, the fixture record having a workpiece entry portion to track modifications to a fixture of the fixture module;
• a barcode scanable by a device to retrieve the fixture record of the fixture module;
• and
• a data controller operable to populate the workpiece entry portion of the fixture record based on workpiece information acquired from an external computing device such that changes to a manufacturing process of the workpiece upstream of the fixture are monitored as a function of the modifications made to the fixture during mounting the subject workpiece on the fixture.