The need for control over manufacturing processes has
never been higher than in today's environment. As this need has increased, so too
has the requirement for better management of the equipment used to measure and control
manufacturing processes. Fundamental to managing this equipment properly is ensuring
that it's correctly calibrated and maintained.
Unfortunately, while many managers are faced with managing a growing number of instruments
and increased responsibility, their resources are being reduced. One popular method
for minimizing the resources necessary is the implementation of Service Management
System (SMS).
Justifying a move away from legacy calibration-management systems (such as paper-based
records or in-house systems based on Microsoft Excel or Access) is usually the easy
part of the SMS implementation process. If you need ammunition for justifying the
purchase of SMS, here are a few basic advantages you will realize quickly:
|
|
Better organization |
|
|
Paper records are easily lost or misplaced, and they can take up a lot of space
as they accumulate over time. In most cases, computer records remain where you put
them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Few errors. |
|
|
How are you currently notified of pending calibration
or preventive maintenance events? Do you remember all of them, or do you miss some
from time to time? Do calibration or maintenance events ever occur without being
documented? Have you ever used an instrument that is out-of-calibration? A SMS package
should resolve these issues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Improve productivity. |
|
|
A good SMS package will automatically schedule
calibration and maintenance events and notify you when they're due. All of your
data will be stored electronically and easily accessible to all of those who need
it. Additionally, downtime will be greatly reduced as your equipment is calibrated
and maintained on schedule.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reduce costs.
|
|
|
Routine calibration is usually much less expensive
than finding out-of-tolerance instruments in the field. Waste is also decreased
due to improved product quality. |
|
|
|
|
|
Compliance to standards and regulations. |
|
|
ISO standards Administration
regulations require timely calibrations and thorough, secure documentation. Your
CMS should meet this need.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Keys SMS Traits |
Flexibility
Reliability
Ease of use
|
|
|