How can you keep operations running efficiently and safely during this global pandemic?
Your commercial calibration lab provides important services for essential businesses, such as hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, aviation companies, and manufacturing facilities. The calibration process is very hands-on and requires in-house operations.
So, how can you keep operations running efficiently and safely during this global pandemic?
The answer to that question lies in understanding how to apply the principles of lean management to commercial calibration. Metquay commercial calibration management software is built on the principles of lean management, making it perfectly equipped to help your lab improve its efficiency now and in the future.
Applying Lean Management to a Commercial Calibration Lab
Here are some ways that your commercial calibration lab can apply lean management principles to run more efficiently.
#1 Defects
Anything that causes you to rework a task or process counts as a defect. In a calibration lab, this could include anything from set up to inputting incorrect information on a calibration certificate. Switching from manual input to commercial calibration software can eliminate defects, saving you time and money. With Metquay’s calibration worksheets, technicians can define their own data formats and validation. Once defined and validated, they can run indefinitely without you having to worry about human error.
#2 Transportation
Constantly walking between the shop floor to your calibration lab to gather items is wasteful. Use Metquay’s logistics and tracking module to scan equipment into the software as soon as it arrives at the receiving department. Once the equipment is scanned, a new job will be added to the queue and the relevant department will be alerted so they can take action.
#3 Motion
Handwriting data only to re-enter it into a spreadsheet is an unnecessary step that can lead to costly mistakes. Metquay has only a single point of data entry, which reduces motion waste. With Metquay, you also have access to the instrument’s historical data, making for quick comparisons and process control.
#4 Inventory
Do you have more inventory than you need? While having some calibrated spares is generally good practice, storing unused items is wasteful and unnecessary. With Metquay’s inventory module, you can track consumables and parts separately, track return merchandise authorization (RMA), and alert users when a particular product is low in stock.
#5 Waiting
Not having the right equipment to calibrate can lead to a lot of wasted time waiting for the right tools to become available. Metquay’s master instrument module helps you organize your calibration standards and track calibration due dates to reduce downtime when getting them re-calibrated and ready for work.
#6 Over-processing
Taking in more data than is necessary is an example of over-processing. Reduce over-processing using Metquay’s commercial calibration lab software. With our software, you can use a single worksheet to cover a wide range of equipment by setting up checks and balances, tolerance lookup, range, and unit choices. Additionally, you can set up your uncertainty calculations for a piece of equipment once, and they will automatically be ready the next time you calibrate.
#7 Non-utilized talent
Your lab needs to utilize every available resource, especially when you are staffed at a lower capacity. With commercial calibration lab software, you can reduce manpower by automating data documentation, reporting, and calibration due alerts to free your staff up to handle to core aspects of your business. Additionally, Metquay’s reports can keep track of the amount of time each calibration takes, the number of round trips before approval, resource utilization, and more so management can make informed decisions on cost containment.
How Commercial Calibration Lab Software Increases Efficiency
The pandemic has demonstrated the need for businesses in all industries to operate remotely. Now is the time to switch from manual data entry to automated software.
Some advantages of making the switch to Metquay include the following:
One-click calibration certificate preparation with 100% compliance to ISO 17025 and FDA 21CFR part 11
Auditor access to enable remote audits.
An automated system so you can reduce manpower.
Asset management that keeps track of customer assets and data for you.
Cloud-based data lets you send information to clients without using paper.
Calibration due alerts ensure your customers have advanced notice when it’s time to calibrate.
Set up uncertainty calculations for a piece of equipment once, and it will be ready for you next time.
Metquay’s commercial calibration software can help your lab operate lean and efficient so you can keep up with your business requirements, even during a global pandemic. Metquay is currently offering free trials and consultations to help labs navigate through these tough times. If you would like to learn more about our offerings and products, send us an email at consulting@metquay.com or visit https://www.metquay.com.
How is your commercial calibration lab keeping up with the pandemic? Let us know on the discussion thread below!