Test Procedure Instruments
Test Procedure Instruments allow organisations to automatically associate instrument types with predefined test procedure checklists. By configuring these relationships in the SLM Global Module, operators can quickly access the correct testing instructions whenever a test group is executed, improving consistency and reducing manual administration.
Instead of manually selecting procedures for every proof test or maintenance activity, SLM automatically identifies the appropriate checklist based on the instrument types assigned to each device. This helps organisations standardise testing practices, improve audit readiness and ensure technicians always have the correct procedures available.
This guide explains how to create Test Procedure checklists, assign them to instrument types, and automatically access them within Test Groups.
What are Test Procedure Instruments?
Test Procedure Instruments provide an automated method of linking instrument types to predefined test procedure checklists. Once configured, SLM automatically presents the correct procedure whenever compatible devices are included within a Test Group.
This removes the need for users to manually search for procedures and helps ensure consistent testing practices across the organisation.
- Automatically associate instrument types with procedures.
- Standardise proof testing activities.
- Reduce manual checklist selection.
- Improve consistency across maintenance teams.
- Support auditable testing processes.
Before assigning procedures to instrument types, the checklist itself must first be created within the Verification Checklist section of the system.
Learn how system-wide configuration is managed in the System Module Global Configuration guide.
These capabilities are available within the SLM Global Module.
Creating Test Procedure Checklists
Before Test Procedure Instruments can be configured, the appropriate Test Procedure checklist must first exist within SLM. These checklists are created in the Verification Checklist section of the System Module and are managed in the same way as other verification checklists.
To ensure SLM recognises a checklist as a test procedure, the checklist category must be set to Test Procedure when it is created. Only checklists with this category are available for assignment to instrument types.
- Create a new Verification Checklist.
- Select Test Procedure as the checklist category.
- Add the required testing steps.
- Save the checklist for future assignment.
Verification Checklists provide a consistent method of documenting testing activities while ensuring approved procedures are used throughout the organisation.
Learn more about overall system administration in the System Module Global Configuration guide.
Assigning Checklists to Instrument Types
Once a Test Procedure checklist has been created, it can be linked to individual instrument types using the IO Type Codes reference table. This creates the relationship between each instrument type and its corresponding testing procedure.
SLM automatically builds the Test Procedure Instruments tables from the configured IO Type Codes, ensuring consistency between instrument classifications used throughout the platform.
- Open the IO Type Codes reference table.
- Select the required instrument type.
- Choose the appropriate Test Procedure checklist.
- Save the updated configuration.
Because the same instrument type references are used throughout SLM, assigning procedures centrally eliminates duplicate configuration and reduces the risk of inconsistent testing instructions.
For information on maintaining standard reference data, see AIChE’s Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS), which provides guidance on process safety management and standardised work practices.
Accessing Test Procedures from Test Groups
SLM automatically associates Test Procedure checklists with Test Groups based on the instrument types assigned to each selected device. Users do not need to manually select procedures during testing.
When input and output devices are added to a Test Group, SLM examines their recorded instrument types and retrieves the corresponding Test Procedure checklist configured within the Global Module.
- Automatically identify applicable procedures.
- Display procedures for selected devices.
- Reduce manual administration.
- Ensure consistent proof testing.
This automation helps operators access the correct procedures quickly while reducing the possibility of using outdated or incorrect testing instructions.
Related configuration is managed alongside Approval Policies and Personnel Configuration within the Global Module.
Printing and Exporting Test Procedures
After the appropriate devices have been added to a Test Group, users can view the associated Test Procedure checklists directly within the group. These procedures can then be printed or exported for use during field testing.
Providing technicians with consistent testing instructions improves execution quality, supports compliance activities and ensures approved procedures are available even when working away from the office.
- View procedures directly from Test Groups.
- Print approved testing instructions.
- Export procedures for field use.
- Support consistent proof testing activities.
Combined with standardised instrument classifications and centrally managed checklists, Test Procedure Instruments help organisations improve testing consistency while simplifying maintenance workflows.
To learn more about the Global Module capabilities, visit the SLM Global Module product page.
Related Resources
Test Procedure Instruments work alongside several other Global Module features that help standardise testing, governance and enterprise-wide configuration within SLM.
- System Module Global Configuration – Learn how enterprise-wide settings are managed.
- Approval Policies – Configure approval requirements for objects and events.
- Personnel Configuration – Manage users, approvers and organisational roles.
- Configuring a Risk Matrix – Configure corporate risk matrices used throughout SLM.
- SLM Global Module – Explore the complete Global Module functionality.
