Achieve more through integration and automation

During the past 4 years, we have interviewed more than 2,000 calibration professionals and asked them what calibration-related trends do they see taking place in their companies in the coming years? Regardless of the type of the company, a higher level of integration and automation is in the top three of all responses.

At this very moment many companies are dealing with challenges such as the need to simplify and streamline work processes, cut production down-time and eliminate double work. These challenges exist in every function and they all can be tackled by improving the level of system integration and automation. Calibration systems are no different. They can no longer be considered as isolated, stand-alone systems or work processes within a company or a production plant. Just like any other business function, calibration procedures need to be more streamlined, automated and integrated in order to achieve improvements in quality and efficiency.

An integrated calibration solution is integrated to several directions. Calibration software, which is used for planning, documenting and managing calibration assets and procedures, is at the heart of the calibration system. The most significant form of integration is between calibration software and documenting calibrators. This combination alone automates many calibration and documentation procedures. The second type of integration is between the calibration system and maintenance management systems (CMMS) provided by Emerson®, SAP®, Maximo® and others. This integration ensures that the calibration system is an integral part of the company’s management system.

I have no doubt that the future of calibration includes higher level of integration and automation. That is also the area where we aim to be the industry benchmark.

Raimo Ahola
Managing Director, Beamex Group