FEATURE CALIBRATION
Calibration and the importance of ASSET MANAGEMENT
James Sherlock, UK key accounts manager for Trescal, highlights the continuing importance of managing and monitoring equipment and explores how stock upgrades can drive efficiencies
W
hen you consider that asset management is focused around
managing and monitoring equipment, it does not seem that taxing. Where some customers struggle, however, is finding suitable partners to work with. Many choose Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) providers and opt for add-on service rather than a dedicated offering. With the correct approach, asset management will instigate effective pooling and asset sharing of equipment across sites, reduce costs and improve efficiencies throughout the life of equipment. An experienced asset management
provider can supply proven software and methodology to help make the process of monitoring equipment as simple as possible - and it need not be the OEM provider offering this service. A successful programme should be able to identify procurement avoidance, reductions in calibration and repair costs, and be led by a team of technical experts. As a result, customers should see an increase in service levels and significant savings potential.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR Building a successful calibration asset management strategy need not be a challenge. The first step is to select a suitable provider. Before agreeing to carry out work, a Schedule of Accreditation, detailing United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accreditations, should be requested. This gives assurance of the provider’s capabilities in terms of independence, quality and technical knowledge. For example, if a provider is accredited to the ISO9001 standard, this is an indicator that performance and service is consistent across all operations, which provides reassurance to customers on the credibility of calibrations. Similarly, ISO9001 benchmarks consistent performance and service across all operations. Other accreditations such as ISO / IEC 17025, whilst not a requirement for asset management, are core when
10 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 | INSTRUMENTATION
verifying a providers competence to carry out tests and calibrations. Additionally, there is also the ISO10012 guideline, which is designed to manage and demonstrate compliance of measuring processes and equipment. In short, these standards are an
important way of verifying that a device has been calibrated by a trusted provider, and is traceable to the International System of Units (IS). This is important given that a business could be tasked with providing evidence that a device has been calibrated by an accredited provider.
OEM VS THIRD PARTY PROVIDER Choosing a third-party independent of the OEM for an asset management programme gives the advantage of objectivity of the provider. For instance, a third-party will always offer an unbiased solution to a problem, whether that is repairing what is already there, purchasing new equipment, or even using second hand items.
James Sherlock, UK key accounts manager for Trescal
The real added value comes when a customer chooses a tailored solution to asset management. Ideally any new partnership should begin with a full audit of equipment, flagging common business inefficiencies such as the unnecessary repurchasing of equipment already in stores, or incorrect calibration intervals which could be costing the business more than is necessary. For example, in some instances, companies have been sending equipment to be calibrated at the required date, despite the fact that they are not currently in use and will require further calibration before being operated/installed. With due care and attention at audit stages, Trescal has helped large
Building a successful calibration asset management strategy need not be a challenge
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