HOW TO FIND AND CHOOSE A SUITABLE CALIBRATION SERVICE PROVIDER
There are several important dimensions to ensuring that you get the calibration services you need. These dimensions include mapping out your requirements, evaluating potential calibration labs and selecting the best-equipped lab to perform the needed services. By applying each of these dimensions when making the decision to choose and use a calibration laboratory, you are guaranteeing yourself quality calibration service.
MAPPING OUT YOUR REQUIREMENTS
The first step in ensuring you are receiving quality calibration service is to map out your calibration requirements. When you are familiar with you calibration wants and needs, it is easier to choose and use a provider. Three steps to mapping out your requirements include:
IDENTIFYING KEY INSTRUMENTS
Pinpointing key instruments is essential when mapping out requirements. Obviously every piece of equipment was purchased for some reason, but not all instruments are considered high-impact instruments that your company depends on. By identifying your key instruments that need to be calibrated more frequently, you are pinpointing specific requirements a lab will have to meet in order to be considered. For example, say your company frequently uses a high-precision digital multimeter. In order for a calibration lab to be considered, their scope would have to cover this instrument.
IDENTIFYING KEY SPECIFICATIONS
After pinpointing the high-impact instruments, you then need to narrow down the key specifications for each. By determining the specifications for each instrument, you are easier able to recognize if a calibration provider can meet these specifications. For example, a specific instrument may need to be in a certain uncertainty ratio. A lab must be able to meet this uncertainty ratio calculation requirement in order to be considered.
IDENTIFYING ESSENTIAL RECORDS AND REPORTS
Keeping track of actual instrument work performed is crucial in the calibration process. By knowing an instruments work record, you will be able to see the calibration needs of that exact piece of equipment. It’s important to know this information when choosing a calibration lab because frequency of calibration plays into downtime and costs.
EVALUATING A SERVICE PROVIDER
After mapping out your calibration requirements, it is then time to measure potential calibration labs against your needs. When evaluating potential providers, it is important to have a general framework in place. This will help to ensure that the provider meets all of your company’s needs. Evaluation should consist of questions related to a provider’s accreditation status, their calibration capabilities and their documentation processes. After these questions have been administered to the potential calibration providers, your company can then select the best-equipped lab that meets all or most of your calibration needs.
How do you know you’re asking for a quote from the right lab, there’s more to it than cost.
Use our guide to navigate the process.