Consultant
Measuring equipment is indispensable in many sectors. Think of scales, pressure gauges, multimeters, or temperature gauges – all instruments that must provide reliable and accurate readings. But how can you be sure that your measuring instrument is still functioning correctly? That’s where calibration is essential.
In this blog, I explain exactly what calibration means, how it differs from inspection, and how to manage the calibration process in a smart and clear way using Centix.
What is calibration?
Calibration involves testing a measuring instrument by comparing it to a recognised reference standard. This process checks whether the instrument is still measuring within the specified tolerances and whether its accuracy meets the required standards. Calibration is essential for ensuring reliable measurement results, and thereby maintaining quality and safety.
A concrete example: Let’s say you are working with a pressure gauge that has a measurement range of up to 10 bar. During calibration, you test the instrument at several measurement points – for example, 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 bar. This allows you to check whether the readings at the beginning, middle, and end of the scale fall within the permissible deviation. In Centix, you define the corresponding tolerance for each measurement point (e.g. ±0.1 bar). The system then automatically assesses whether the deviations are within the specified limits and thus whether the instrument meets the requirements. If the value is correct, the field turns green; if the tolerance is exceeded, the field turns red.
When calibrating a 10-bar pressure gauge, it is often difficult to set the exact reference pressure – for example, precisely 7.50 bar. In practice, the value may deviate slightly, such as 7.48 bar. In Centix, you can record this accurately by configuring a zero measurement question in the MI plan. This allows you to enter the actual reference value during the calibration process. In this way, Centix records both the measured pressure and the deviation from the intended value, ensuring an accurate and reliable calibration history for the pressure gauge.
If it turns out during calibration that the measuring instrument deviates, you can adjust it: the instrument is fine-tuned so that the measurement values fall within the set tolerances once again. After the adjustment, a recheck is carried out. These measurement results are also recorded in Centix, ensuring a complete and traceable calibration record at all times.
Calibration versus inspection: what’s the difference?
Calibration and inspection are often mentioned in the same breath, but they serve different purposes and focus on distinct aspects:
- Calibration is all about accurate readings. You compare the measurements of an instrument – such as a pressure gauge – with those of a recognised reference standard to determine whether there are any discrepancies. This shows how reliable the measurement is and whether adjustment is required.
- Inspection focuses on safety and functionality. It involves assessing whether tools, machines, installations or equipment – such as electrical tools – still comply with the applicable laws and regulations, and whether they can be used safely.
In Centix, calibrations are recorded separately from inspections – precisely because they serve different purposes within maintenance and quality management. Inspections are typically organised by object type, such as PAT testing for all electrical tools or machines. Calibrations, however, are often so specific that a generic calibration protocol is not practical. Instead, they are usually carried out using brand- and type-specific calibration protocols. For a particular brand and type of pressure gauge, thermometer, or other measuring instrument, a dedicated MI plan is created, defining the calibration protocol. This includes the measurement points and corresponding tolerances specific to that type of instrument. When a new object of that brand and type is added, Centix automatically links the correct MI plan.
What does a calibration certificate contain?
In Centix, each calibration certificate is generated digitally and typically includes the following essential information:
- Unique identification of the measuring instrument (object-ID in Centix).
- Date of calibration and the planned next calibration date – helping you maintain oversight of your planning and ensuring timely recalibration.
- Details of the reference meter(s) or test benches used for the calibration – including ID, serial number, and validity date at the time of calibration. This provides evidence of which reference equipment was used and confirms that it was itself within its valid calibration period.
- Measurement results before and after adjustment – showing whether any adjustment was necessary and whether the instrument is now within the defined tolerances. These measurement points can be defined in the MI plan created for each calibration procedure, along with the applicable tolerances to be displayed on the certificate.
- Name and signature of the calibration technician – for verification and full traceability.
This information makes your calibration process fully transparent and verifiable.
Everything taken care of with Centix
Do you carry out calibrations on measuring instruments yourself? Then you’ll know how important it is not only to perform calibrations accurately, but also to record and manage them clearly. With Centix, there’s no need to juggle separate Excel sheets or paper records – everything is integrated into one user-friendly system.
Centix supports you every step of the calibration process:
- Custom calibration protocols per measuring instrument: Create calibration protocols tailored precisely to the type and brand of each instrument.
- Smart reminders: Receive automatic notifications for scheduled recalibrations, so you never miss a deadline.
- Links to reference standards: Maintain full traceability by linking each calibration to its corresponding reference standard.
- Comprehensive calibration report: After calibration, a detailed report is generated – including environmental conditions, data from the reference meter(s), as-found measurements, and, where applicable, post-adjustment measurements.
- Digital storage of measurement results and certificates: All calibration data are centrally stored and instantly accessible – ideal for audits and quality inspections.
Discover what Centix can do for your organisation
Interested in learning more about calibrations in Centix? I’d be happy to guide you through the possibilities in a personalised product demonstration. Depending on your needs, I’ll walk you through the software in 30 to 90 minutes, giving you a clear overview of what Centix can offer your organisation.
