Table of Contents
Do you Need an Accredited Laboratory?
Do you need Accredited Calibrations? This is the place to start when it comes to choosing the right service provider. Laboratory accreditation ensures that your provider is up to date and abiding by relevant quality standards. This accreditation is a good indication of the quality and competency of a service provider. ISO 17025 is the standard by which a calibration laboratory must hold accreditation in to be viewed as technically competent. This competency is reflected by each laboratories Scope of Accreditation, which is the technical way to say — all the areas they can calibrate with a high level of competency.
Within Their Scope of Accreditation
Finding a lab that is accredited may not be the hardest part of finding a good service provider. Figuring out if their scope of accreditation can meet the measurement uncertainties that you need may prove to be the most difficult part. Most accredited calibration laboratories will have a “scope of accreditation” document that states the uncertainties in which, they can provide competent service in. View our Scope of Accreditation Here! (our scope is printable)
Another key point to look at is if they can calibrate all your equipment. Can your service provider be the single source for all your measurement service needs? A single source service provider is long-term decision as it can reduce logistic complications as well as give you more immediate attention for urgent incidents.GR Metrology is capable of being your single-source service provider via our scope of accreditation and our large network of other providers want to learn more, contact us here!
If you are doing business with a non-accredited lab you will need to ask about their measurement uncertainty, and you will have to determine if that is good enough for what you need. If you go with a non-accredited lab, this will also mean that you may not get an accredited certification for your compliant for your calibrations.
Calibration Certificate Access
Calibration certificates come with all accredited calibrations, a few things the certificates include are: the equipment that was calibrated, the lab that calibrated it, the calibration data, “as found” and “as left” data points, measurement uncertainties, and a signature of the person who performed the calibration and the date. As said before you may not get a calibration certificate that is compliant to your quality standards if you are not using an accredited calibration provider.”
Asset Management
Does your service provider offer an asset management system or data portal for your calibration certifications and service information? Asset management systems are of growing importance in our digital age. If you are still holding calibration certificates in a filing cabinet, or even worse lying around on your desk; an asset management system will be of use to you. An asset management system houses your calibration data and other data from services done by a provider. Some can even send you reminders for when you have equipment that is getting close to its calibration due date. (Our Asset Management System does this!)
Onsite Calibrations?
Onsite calibrations can save you extensive periods of downtime and have your equipment fully calibrated and certified in your own facility. Cutting the need to package and ship your equipment out to a laboratory. Checking if your service provider offers this can be a huge bonus for you as it will eliminate downtime costs and keep your production running.
Express Service or Rapid Response?
Some providers offer expedited or rapid response services for businesses that need a quicker turnaround time than normal. Being without your devices for long periods of time is expensive and often requires additional compliance activities. This small service can be the make or break for some businesses that need their equipment back to them ASAP.
Do They Explain What They are Doing and Why?
Does the provider explain what they are doing when they service your equipment or provide notes of service? Providers should tell you what they are doing and why when they are servicing and after servicing your equipment, they should also say if that equipment passed or failed. Your provider should be transparent with you on all the details of service.
Repairs, Service, Maintenance
Is the calibration laboratory competent in performing repairs or other maintenance services needed? GR Metrology not only offers repairs, emergency repairs, preventive maintenance, and other services, but we have a full custom automation department!
Provider’s brand and reputation - Is the service provider someone you want to work with again?
Is the provider a brand you trust? Having a provider that can take care of things for you is a huge bonus when it comes to your measurement equipment needs. Not needing to re-check if the service was done properly, or worse, having to have them reservice it shortly after calibrations were made is a clear sign of a good service provider. Finding a trustworthy brand to go back to may not always be easy or cheap, but the long-term benefits of having a loyal service provider is ten times better than switching providers every year.
Agreements and Future Reminders
Does the calibration lab offer the possibility to make continual calibration and service agreements for providing future service?
Do they send you a reminder when it is coming time for your next calibration? Will they tell you when equipment has gone obsolete?
What GR Metrology does as a service provider
GR Metrology has been ISO certified since 1996 and has been expanding its scope of accreditation nearly every year since. With one of the largest scopes in Michigan, we can service nearly all types of equipment. We strive to be world-class and helpful in all aspects of business, here is a look at what we can offer:
- ISO Accredited Calibrations and Certifications
- Certlink (our Asset Management System) to store your service information and give you upcoming calibration reminders
- A single-source service provider (Oh yes, we can do it all!)
- On-site calibrations and expedited service
- Repairs, maintenance, 24/7 emergency service
- A custom Automation team, building custom systems for automating production systems.
- A brand providing quality since 1922
- Long-term agreements
- Automated reminders for calibrations
- 35+ State registered technicians
