# Start here: Author

Create unit-specific procedures and independently expected examples.

Source: https://help.smartfact.ai/manuals/worksteps/author

Review edition: 25 October 2026

Roles: author

As Author, turn the approved working method into a procedure for a product family. WorkSteps resolves that procedure separately for each identified unit. Optional steps and parameter values must therefore be checked against representative variations before anyone issues work.

## Start with the intended method

Open Procedures and check the family and procedure kind, normal or rework. Agree exact option names and values with the source-data owner. Establish the identification step, mandatory evidence, step order and parameter tables before editing. Do not invent engineering limits or treat a proposed condition as an approved method.

Save a draft revision. The editor supports the complete Draft definition and Slot conditions, together with retained step images. Read validation messages at their indicated field or location. A stale editor must be refreshed and compared with the saved revision before you try again.

## Prove the variations

Write examples from the intended process before inspecting calculated output. Include a unit that selects each optional slot, one that omits it and invalid or missing input that must block. Expected step order, requirements and parameters matter as much as a ready result.

Use Lock revision N and verify after saving. Inspect differences and coverage rather than changing an expectation to match an unexplained result. Hand the frozen candidate and its proof to a Reviewer. Publication and family assignment require Reviewer authority.

Continue with [procedure authoring](/manuals/worksteps/procedures-and-variations) and [proof and publication](/manuals/worksteps/proof-and-publication). If the physical method changes, prepare new step or table revisions. Editing the next draft cannot change a traveller that has already been issued.