Test Equipment Management
Definition: Test equipment management refers to the systematic administration, monitoring and calibration of measuring and testing equipment within a quality management system. The aim is to ensure correct and traceable measurement results. Requirements arise, among others, from ISO 9001 and DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.
Practical relevance: Among the items recorded and assessed are test equipment identification, calibration status, intervals, relevant measurement uncertainties and areas of use. Complete and up-to-date documentation makes it possible to avoid the use of unsuitable or overdue measuring instruments. Faulty test equipment can lead to systematic wrong decisions, complaints or liability cases.
Decision-making perspectives:
- Technical decision-makers: Ensuring reliable and traceable measurement data in production and testing.
- Purchasing/project management: Selection of suitable test equipment as well as competent calibration and testing service providers.
- Science: Assessment of measurement uncertainties, comparative measurements and measurement methods.
- Insurance/law: Proof of standard-compliant test equipment monitoring in the context of liability and damage cases.
Typical testing or verification methods: Calibration, test equipment monitoring systems, auditing, measurement systems analysis (MSA).
FAQ:
- Why is test equipment management legally relevant?
- It documents compliance with duties of care and the validity of quality-relevant measurements.
