Does Your Calibration Software Meet Minimum Requirements?
What should you look for in calibration management software?
Utilizing a calibration management software can help to streamline and organize your quality process by allowing easier and faster access to the data you need while also reducing paper and physical files. There are a variety of these programs on the market, and generally they serve as a digital way of tracking records for your measurement equipment including certificates of calibration and calibration schedules. Unfortunately, not all programs are created equally and there are some things to consider before choosing the right one.
When choosing calibration management software, some requirements are non-negotiable. You must have 24/7 access to your calibration data, and it should always be up to date with the latest calibration information. You will want to make sure the software you choose has the highest levels of security so that your data remains safe. Speaking of safe data, the asset tracking product you choose should be dependable and backed up regularly in case of catastrophic failure.
You will want all calibration data to be available whenever the auditor asks. For this reason, your software should store every cert for every piece of equipment on file, allowing it to be easily referenced to show traceability. Simply storing the latest cert isn’t always enough.
Once you are sure that all the above needs are met, there are some additional capabilities that are quite nice to have if possible. Ideally, your calibration software should be cloud-based so that it never goes out of date and is available from any computer. As a bonus, this means that you don’t have to get IT involved to download software or take up valuable hard drive space.
When it comes to functionality, convenience is key. Having the ability to access information on the standards and procedures used to perform calibrations can help you easily answer tough auditor questions. If you have lots of equipment to manage, being able to export an equipment list to Excel whenever you like is a useful feature, as is the ability to easily export certs and get automated reminders when equipment is due for calibration.
One of the ways moving to a calibration management system can add value is by helping you more easily manage your calibration services. For example, having the ability within your portal to do things like request onsite calibration or print packing slips to send in equipment for calibration can help make your job easier. Even the option to pay service invoices online can eliminate time spent cutting checks or calling in to make payments.
Are you interested in moving to a cloud-based calibration management software, but lack the budget to do so? At Cross, we have an award-winning software, GageSuite®, which is available at no cost to all our customers.
Depending on your quality system, you may find that you need additional capabilities beyond those in GageSuite Standard. For instance, if you have an internal calibration program it will be important to be able to create calibration certificates. To accommodate such needs, we do offer GageSuite Gold and Platinum options which can allow for advanced reporting and creation of cal certs, along with many other innovative and customized features. Contact us today to talk with one of our experts about your unique needs and find out how GageSuite can help to improve your quality system.
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How Can Cross Help?
In the field of metrology, there are many standards to follow to ensure reliable calibration or inspection. At Cross Precision Measurement, we are an ISO 17025 accredited calibration laboratory that adheres to standards set out by NIST (HB44), the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM), the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP), A2LA, and other relevant standards. With our experience and expertise, we can ensure you’re getting reliable, repeatable metrology results.
Since 1939, our Precision Measurement group has provided industry-leading technical expertise coupled with world-class customer service to manufacturing and other industrial operations in need of onsite calibration, product inspection, precision measurement equipment, and more. Our precision measurement and inspection teams have the knowledge and resources to help you reduce risk, improve quality, and increase efficiency throughout your entire process. With our extensive network of calibration labs across the Southeast and Midwest, we can ensure you’re getting the metrology services you need. Contact Cross Precision Measurement today.
