If you have any doubt about whether an instrumentation calibration vendor is equipped to improve the quality of your plant’s production processes, reduce downtime and drive efficiency, it’s time to use this survey to dig a bit deeper.

Beneath each question is an explanation that details what you should be looking for in an instrumentation calibration vendor’s response and why it’s important.

1. IS YOUR SOLUTION PROPRIETARY?

What to look for in a vendor’s response: The ideal answer is “no”—you don’t want to be beholden to one instrumentation calibration vendor.

Be wary of vendors that offer only proprietary solutions. Widely used instrumentation and systems from top manufacturers such as Honeywell, Yokogawa and Watlow will allow you to easily change vendors and obtain support should the need arise. You won’t be left in a lurch if your provider goes out of business or no longer supports the system. Proprietary systems are generally bad for customers. They tie you to one provider and keep you from shopping around. They can also make parts expensive and difficult to source. You don’t want your expensive new system to be obsolete in a few short years.

2. HOW WILL THIS SYSTEM MEET MY NEEDS?

What to look for in a vendor’s response: Flexibility and scalability. The right vendor will provide a strong foundation that can be built upon later.

Be careful not to overpay for features you don’t need, and be careful not to buy a bargain system that’s anything but. If you have to meet standards such as AMS 2750, Nadcap or CQI-9, you need highly accurate tools with excellent data collection capabilities. For less stringent applications, a standardized, less expensive option may work. Likewise, a vendor that is looking out for your best interest can often help you upgrade and/or retrofit existing systems to save time and money on an instrumentation project.

Consider your future needs here as well, as a good instrumentation system is flexible and scalable. The right partner will work with you to meet today’s needs while keeping an eye on the future.

3. HAVE YOU DONE THIS TYPE OF INSTALL BEFORE? IF NOT, WHAT’S THE MOST COMPARABLE JOB YOU’VE DONE?

What to look for in a vendor’s response: Longevity and proven results.

Trust a company that’s been around a long time, and has references from companies like your own. You don’t want to be the first customer, and you want to ensure the provider has a solid track record of success.

4. HOW WELL DOES THE PRODUCT HOLD CALIBRATION?

What to look for in a vendor’s response: Products that have perfected consistency and repeatability.

Some systems only hold calibration for a short time due to poor design while others are reliable for years. Continually recalibrating systems leads to downtime and man hours lost. It can also affect audit results and lead to lost business. Look for products that perform the same task perfectly day in, day out.  Repeatability of processes is imperative.

5. HOW ACCURATE ARE YOUR PRODUCTS?

What to look for in a vendor’s response: Industry-specific expertise.

Find a vendor that understands the accuracy you require so they can provide the right instrumentation calibration solutions. Their product offering should have a proven track record of demonstrable results. If an instrument or system does not conform to the standard demanded by your customers, it is all but useless.

6. DO YOU UNDERSTAND SPECIFIC INDUSTRY STANDARDS? IF SO, WHICH ONES?

What to look for in a vendor’s response: Knowledge of reputable industry standards.

Instrumentation providers that fully understand widely used industry standards like AMS 2750, Nadcap, CQI-9 and Title 21 CFR Part 11 can help ensure you meet audit requirements and deliver the highest quality results. They have the tools, procedures and processes required for success and will guide you where you need to be.