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Calibration On-Line Database
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Calibration Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Quotation for Calibration Services?
Please Contact Us at one of our facilities and speak to a customer service representative. You can simply send us a list to quote or schedule an appointment with our Technical Sales Representative who will be happy to visit your site and help assess your service requirements. Each quotation will come with Pylon’s  Terms and Conditions.
What items require calibration?
This question is not as easy to answer as you may think. The simple answer might be any device that takes a quantitative measurement and is used in the process of making judgements about the status of an instrument or system. This basically would include all your instruments, and in some cases, this may be the easiest way to manage the integrity of your assets.
If you take a closer look at your assets, it becomes a matter of the kind of control you have over the use of these assets and how many are actually used in making critical process measurements. If you can identify usage, you can be more selective about which tools need to be calibrated and build this process of identification and classification into your quality system. The ultimate goal is to have confidence in your systems and test results in the most cost effective manner. Please contact us should you require more support with this decision.
What is included in a calibration price at Pylon ?
Pylon’s calibration price reflects the effort required to compare your standard to our standards and record the data as defined in the calibration procedure. Minor repairs and minor adjustments that require less than 15 minutes or 10 % of the normal calibration time (whichever is greater), is also included. If major alignment or repair is required, the customer will be contacted with a request for authorization to approve investigation or repair charges.
How often should I calibrate my equipment?
There are many ways, including very complex algorithms, to manage the calibration cycles of test equipment. Instrument calibration history, repair history, number of times used, type of usage, OEM recommendations, and budget cycles are all examples of factors that may influence decisions about cal frequencies. In a majority of cases, clients typically use an annual or semi annual cycle for instruments because it conveniently fits with budgets and normal business rhythms. It is also important to note that the client is ultimately responsible for deciding the calibration cycle times that best their requirements.
More information on this topic can be found at the following website:
http://www.ncsli.org/publications/
Does it cost more for certificates or Test Data Sheets (TDS) ?
Unless specifically stated otherwise, all prices quoted for calibrations processed by Pylon include Certificates and Test Data Sheets. These documents are also available on-line for customers who have signed up for this service.
Are your standards traceable?
As required by the Quality Standards we are registered and audited to, (ISO 9000-2000 and ISO/IEC 17025) all standards used at Pylon labs are traceable to national and international standards.
What is meant by traceability?
A good definition that is accepted on a global basis can be found at the NIST website in Section A. on the FAQ page.
http://ts.nist.gov/Traceability/suppl_matls_for_nist_policy_rev.cfm
Does Pylon provide NIST numbers?
No. Pylon does not provide NIST numbers because they are not required. Please see the NIST website, Section B, number 4 on the FAQ page for the policy regarding traceability and NIST numbers.
http://ts.nist.gov/Traceability/suppl_matls_for_nist_policy_rev.cfm
Do you provide the certificates to prove the traceability of your standards?
It is not Pylon’s policy to provide customers with copies of certificates for Pylon standards used to calibrate the clients’ instruments with traceability back to a national lab. This request could involve a huge effort and defeats the purpose of having Quality system registrations with external auditing bodies. In a few cases, Pylon has made exceptions when only a few standards were involved and the client was invoiced for the administrative effort required. Pylon is, however, open to having clients come to our facility and audit our processes and files at a mutually convenient time.
What is the normal TAT (Turn Around Time) of your calibration process?
Our primary goal is to have a TAT of 5 lab days. Pylon uses weekend shifts, close customer contact, special courier arrangements, and Pylon vehicles to meet the TAT goals. Urgent and on-site service is available when customer’s requirements demand a shorted TAT.
Where do your trucks deliver?
Pylon has a fleet of seven vehicles that service regions in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Free pickup and delivery service is available along our routes and in the majors centers of each region. Please contact the office nearest you for details.
When do I need full Before and After Data ?
Pylon has prepared an application note on this topic which expands on finding the balance between practical application and the wise use of calibration dollars.
What calibration procedures do you use?
Pylon's Metrologists use documented procedures from recognised sources to perform all calibrations. Pylon currently holds in excess of 25,000 manuals. In addition to our own extensive libraries (electronic and paper) of OEM procedures, we have access to technical manuals and procedures through the GIDEP system. The GIDEP system allows Pylon access to approved procedures from Military and other technical sources.
In an effort to minimise delays, Pylon would ask that when possible, Clients supply any unique calibration procedures required for special or proprietary equipment or systems sent to us for calibration.. If tasked, Pylon can also write or adapt procedures to meet the Client’s requirements.
In situations where we have no documentation for your instrument, Pylon has an on-going investment commitment per annum for library upgrades and maintenance.
Is Urgent Service available?
Urgent service is available with lab time of 2 to 3 working days. An urgent fee of 25% of the calibration charge (minimum charge $25.00) is applied. You need to contact the CSR (Customer Service Representative) at your “local” lab to make prior arrangements.
Do you have plant shut downs and, if so, when?
Other than the regular statutory holidays, the only time that some of our facilities close is during the Christmas Holidays. The Dartmouth and Mississauga operations are usually closed during weekdays between Christmas and New Year’s. The Ottawa operation remains open albeit a small staff to manage the workload and respond to customer needs.
Will I be notified if my instrument fails calibration?
Clients can be notified in the event that an instrument fails calibration. This procedure will be managed in a method that best suits the Client’s requirements.
If Sub Contract support is required, the Client will be notified and approval will be requested. Suppliers and their services are scrutinized by our QA team.
Clients can select the option to have Pylon address all Repair and Sub Contract requirements without “per unit” authorisation. The process would become more automated which would improve TAT and reduce drain on Client’s resources.
How do you keep me informed about the status of my instruments?
We have learned from experience that it is very important to keep the customer informed about Test Equipment status. As a result we have designed several forms to make this process more efficient. Pylon also offers a Web Access service where you can log in and gain access to your instrument status using the On-Line Database.
The following provides a brief description of the purpose of the forms.
Delay Form
This form is faxed or emailed to Clients when Pylon encounters a delay in processing your equipment. It is for your review and action. The reasons for sending these notifications are as follows:
1) Instrument fails calibration
2) Repair required
3) Documentation required
4) Pylon Standard out for Cal
5) Sub Contract delays
Sub Contract Request
This form is sent to Clients with costs and estimated delivery dates for authorisation to send an instrument to a Sub Contractor.
Service Reports
Each instrument that requires repair is returned with a Service Report giving details of the analysis, fault, and corrective action required to bring the unit into serviceable condition.
RCE (Repair Cost Estimates)
Before proceeding with a repair, the Client’s authorisation on a Repair Cost Estimate that provides cost breakdown and estimated time of delivery is required.
Commercial Insitu Work Summary
This form is used to summarize On-Site work. Customer approval is obtained upon completion of the work.
What documentation do I get with each calibration?
Pylon offers complete documentation. Each unit calibrated comes with a Certificate of Calibration and Test Data Sheets and the appropriate labelling. In addition, Pylon has developed several forms to communicate routine information and requests to our customers. The following provides information on this documentation.
Certificates
All instruments calibrated at Pylon Electronics Inc. are issued a Certificate of Calibration. These documents can be provided in both hard copy or electronic format.
Instruments which are calibrated using parameters for which Pylon is certified are issued a CLAS Certificate of Calibration that meets the requirements of ISO / IEC 17025.
TDS’s (Test Data Sheets)
All instruments processed in our labs receive a completed TDS. Each TDS template has been approved by authorised personnel and references an approved procedure. Most of these TDS's are now available in an electronic format.
Labelling
Calibration labels are affixed to the front of instruments, when possible, to ensure good visibility for routine inspections. These labels reference the Calibration Date, the recommended Calibration due date, work order reference number and instrument asset number.
Pylon currently uses “Limited Use” labels and “Custom Cal” labels to address “Partial Calibration” situations. We will seek approvals for any action that will limit the use of an instrument from the Client.
When possible, and based on the instrument, Pylon uses “Void” labels to maintain instrument integrity. These labels are placed to minimise access to non user controls and circuitry in the instrument and show evidence of tampering.
NCR (No Calibration Required) items that require testing will be performed at an hourly rate and tests will be performed according to the Client’s procedures or as our metrology experience dictates. The label will indicate that functional tests have been carried out.
Can Pylon provide a complete asset management service?
Pylon offers our customers an Asset or Test Equipment Management System to provide monthly recall of instruments due for calibration.
Our asset management program includes:
• Test equipment asset Inventory
• Automatic recall notification and calibration
• Certificates of traceability and compliance
• Complete documentation
• Custom reports based on Client requirements
Pylon is currently running a program known as POMS operating system. Among many other features, this program allows us to maintain detailed histories for each instrument, and provide recall notices.
Can I access information about my instruments on line?
Pylon also has a Web based system to allow clients to log into our On-Line Database to review current status, review calibration history records, produce recall reports, view Test Data, print “Web” certificates, and make specific queries to our customer service representatives. Other Client end users and administrators can obtain passwords and begin using the system at any time. New data is updated on a daily basis while existing data is refreshed hourly. You can Login now for a guest tour of this feature.
Does Pylon do calibration at the customer’s location?
In order to meet many Client’s requirements, Pylon offers On Site Calibration services for a wide variety of test equipment. Advanced scheduling will be required to ensure all your technical needs can be met.
Pylon will require a working space with benches to accommodate the number of technicians required for the task. Although we do not require any special environment, a clean, temperature controlled space would be preferable. It is expected that instruments will be made available and delivered to the Pylon technical team in a timely manner for immediate processing. Good coordination and planning is key to an efficient and successful On-Site visit.
Some minor repairs can be attempted in the field but most repairs will need to be returned to our labs.
Does Pylon offer other Technical Support Services?
Yes. Pylon offers other support services to complement our calibration and repair services.
Technical Writing
Pylon can provide the expertise to write technical procedures you may require for the testing or calibration of unique test stations. We have the depth of experience to provide professional and detailed assistance with a wide range of test situations. Pricing will be based on the project size.
Engineering Support
Pylon can assist with measurement expertise to devise methods to obtain accurate, useful data from your test equipment and the related applications. Pricing will be based on time and materials. Pylon can also make recommendations for equipment purchases to fit your measurement requirements and assist with procurement if required.
What kind of Workmanship and Warranty policies does Pylon have?
Repairs are inspected using the Martin Marietta Workmanship Standards as a guide.
Pylon offers a 3-month warranty on all parts and workmanship used in the repair of Client’s equipment.
Warranty on Calibration will be limited to any deficiency caused by poor workmanship or faulty standards. This would indeed be a rare event as our instruments receive 100% outgoing inspection. Calibration is a “snapshot” of instrument performance at the time of calibration and therefore Pylon cannot warrant instruments to remain within calibration specifications in a variety of environments over the recommended interval.
Please see Pylon’s Terms and Conditions for more details on Pylon policies and responsibilities.
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