A recent study by the Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) showed that over 25% of deficiencies cited by assessors dealt with the inability of calibration labs to properly document environmental conditions - or to stop calibrations when these conditions jeopardize results.
Maintaining a stable and "in-spec" lab environment is a critical element of calibration quality. To manage this environment properly, Cal Lab managers need ready access to three different types of temperature and humidity data:
As awareness of newer digital technologies increases, lab professionals are recognizing that their traditional monitoring tools, chart recorders, are incapable - or highly inefficient at - delivering the data that they require. In contrast, Veriteq's Calibration Lab monitoring solution incorporates the latest in networked precision data logging technology to deliver real-time, historical, and alarm information - both easily and cost-effectively.
Here's how the two systems (old and new) compare:
Key 1: Accurate & Precise Real-Time Information
Calibration professionals must constantly be aware of their lab environment while they are performing their work. To do this, they require real-time information "at a glance". Chart recorders are often not an ideal solution for this because they can be difficult to read from a distance - and the charts often do not provide enough accuracy or precision.
In contrast, Veriteq's Calibration Lab Monitoring solution offers a number of different ways to display real-time data so that it can be most effective for operators. For example, data can be displayed in:
large, resizable, and easily readable desktop windows
detailed summary screens that allow managers to remotely monitor multiple areas, all on one screen
different measurement units (°F, °C, %RH, and Dewpoint)
Chart recorders can be hard to read from a distance. In contrast, Veriteq's Cal Lab solution can display real-time readings in large, resizable windows - on any existing Lab PC. With the Veriteq system, critical data is always clearly visible - even from the other side of the room!
Key 2: Secure and Easy-to-Access Historical Records
Historical data is a critical component of any lab monitoring solution. Every lab must have reliable records of environmental conditions to support past calibrations and to satisfy accreditation concerns. However, because chart recorders perform this task on pieces of paper, rather than digitally, the information is often far less accessible - as well as more troublesome to archive, retrieve, and share.
In contrast, Veriteq's Calibration Monitoring solution records information on individual data loggers and automatically backs it up to the network computer system. From there, the data reports can be quickly and easily retrieved and distributed.
Key 3: Timely Alarm Notifications
Although real-time data is vitally important, it is of little use if no one is around to see and process it. And that's another problem with chart recorders. They are "isolated" devices that have limited ability to share and disseminate information.
Problems with the lab environment can cause costly downtime. Consequently, information about what's happening in the lab often has to be delivered to remote operators or managers in such a way to get attention and to force action.
Veriteq's Cal Lab solution provides a multitude of alarm notifications that can alert operators and managers of problems before they get out of hand. These include:
Large flashing visual displays prominently triggered on multiple PC's throughout a Lab
Loud audible alarms with varying sounds, effects, and programmable messages
Remote e-mail alarms
Automated record of out-of-tolerance conditions
Producing quality calibrations requires timely and accurate information. That includes detailed monitoring, recording, and alarming of the calibration environment. For that task, a Veriteq networked data logger system is fast becoming the preferred choice over chart recorders.
If you have questions or need more information on Veriteq's Calibration Lab monitoring solution, please contact us at 1-800-683-8374.
