On-site Calibration Challenges and Solutions
To maintain optimal functionality – resulting in consistently excellent product quality, exemplary levels of safety and effective prevention of equipment damage or deterioration – regular calibration is vital.
All kinds of tools and machinery may be calibrated, with both on-site and off-site options available. The most suitable option for your company’s needs will depend on the nature and complexity of your equipment, your budget, the requisite timescales involved and other factors.
In this article, we will focus on on-site calibration. This option tends to offer greater control on the part of the client, a higher level of accuracy and less complexity and risk when it comes to the collection, transportation and reinstallation of equipment. Having your equipment calibrated on-site also results in significantly less downtime.
While there are some potential challenges related to this field of practice, they may be reduced or prevented entirely through effective preparation and planning. For this reason, it is vital to develop a strong understanding of these possible issues before arranging for specialists to attend your premises to test and adjust your equipment.
Equipment must be calibrated to ensure its safety and effective functionality. After all, far greater expenses and longer periods of downtime will result should any tools of your trade fail as a result of neglect. You will be able to prevent unnecessary additional expenses and delays by properly preparing for the calibration process well in advance.
What are the Common Challenges for On-Site Calibration?
Below, we’ll explore some common issues that may arise before, during and after the on-site calibration process – and the actions you may take to prevent these problems.
Before
If you fail to communicate clearly with your calibration service providers, they will not be able to suitably prepare or equip themselves for the task ahead. You can prevent problems of this kind by sharing all necessary information and completing paperwork accurately and with as much relevant detail as possible.
Before the effective calibration of equipment may be undertaken, you must provide all requisite documentation in a timely, transparent and precise manner to avoid later problems.
Certain pieces of equipment may require the installation and updating of specialist software before accurate calibration may be achieved. If this is not done, delays, inaccuracies or even total failure of the calibration process may be the result.
All equipment should be prepped and ready for calibration before service providers arrive on site. To ensure swift and effective results, we highly recommend contacting your calibration specialists well ahead of time to check their precise requirements.
If all communication is clear, and all paperwork is completed, documentation provided and software updated in advance of the arrival of your calibration specialists, the process will be smooth and exceptionally effective.
During
There are a range of environmental factors that may have a significant impact on the success of the calibration process as it is undertaken. However, these are easy to prevent.
How Do Environmental Factors Affect On-Site Calibration?
It is vital to ensure that there are sufficient suitable power sources available for use by the service providers, as the work will be extremely difficult to manage – and may take longer – if this is not the case.
Furthermore, certain aspects of the environment may also have a disruptive or even damaging effect on sensitive calibration equipment. For example, where possible, it’s important to take steps to keep the temperature and humidity of the area as constant as possible and to keep corrosive substances at a safe distance.
A dangerous or unsuitable environment may result in delays, costly damage and even injuries. Serious issues like this can be avoided by making sure that all safety procedures are followed and that the relevant areas are well-organised and clear of obstructions and hazards.
Follow instructions from your calibration service providers diligently wherever these apply.
A small amount of downtime should be expected as your equipment is being tested and adjusted. However, you can minimise the suspension of any operations by following our guidance below.
How Can Downtime be Reduced During On-Site Calibration?
It’s advisable to factor in a little more downtime than is predicted so that you are prepared in the rare event that an issue arises. Use recommendations from your service provider wherever possible.
Again, responding promptly to all questions posed by your calibration service providers – and making all requisite preparations in advance of their visit – will significantly reduce the possibility of unplanned delays.
While calibration is being undertaken, it may be necessary for specialists to cordon off certain areas of your premises. You can avoid any reduction or restriction of access affecting members of your staff and slowing your operations by preparing to accommodate these limitations in advance.
After Calibration
It is important to check the performance of equipment regularly and monitor processes closely between calibrations. This will reveal any faults in tools and machinery that could cause it to become uncalibrated once more.
You must also keep accurate records of all information provided by calibration specialists, including the date on which services were provided and any adjustments made. To this end, you should retain all documentation and certificates relevant to the calibration.
Loss of this data may cause serious problems affecting the ongoing maintenance and future calibration of equipment – and may impact other factors such as insurance and warranties.
You must be extremely careful when adjusting equipment following calibration. Listen to guidance from your service providers and only make changes that are informed and within your – or your teams’ – expertise and understanding.
Finally, try to maintain a stable environment for your equipment and use safe and suitable power sources to prevent any negative impact on accuracy and functionality. Failure to do this will mean that your equipment will need to be recalibrated far sooner than would otherwise be required, resulting in more downtime and greater expense.
Through careful preparation and clear communication with your equipment calibration specialists, you can avoid almost any challenge to a swift, effective and affordable on-site calibration process.
To find out more about high-quality on-site calibration, or to learn about the other services provided by GNW instrumentation, please visit our on-site calibration service page or contact our friendly and highly qualified team today.