Some of our customers tell us that they needed to explain the importance of calibration to other parts of their business. With this in mind, we've compiled 10 risks which make most successful organisations consider calibration as essential.

Find out about Tempcon’s calibration services.

1. Safety
This is particularly relevant when considering food preparation and storage. Equipment that is not calibrated correctly can lead to food being stored at inappropriate temperatures (Leading to bacterial growth) or inadequate cooking temperatures for high risk foods (Leading to Food Poisoning).

2. Loss of Reputation
Bad news tends to circulate faster than good news and it doesn’t take long to damage a reputation that may have taken years to build. Corrective action is essential but preventative action becomes possible through a proper calibration programme.

3. Waste
Whether it’s throwing out food that’s spoiled or disposing of product that hasn’t been manufactured correctly (perhaps under cured or over cured), there’s no question that non-calibrated equipment increases the risk of unnecessary waste.

4. Increased Costs
Unnecessary Waste means unnecessary costs. That’s before you consider unnecessary energy consumption caused by overheating or over-chilling or the need to investigate quality issues caused by improper temperature control in production and manufacturing processes.

5. Quality
Improper temperature control in production and manufacturing processes can lead to quality issues for the finished product. Plastic casings that fatigued early and food products that weren’t adequately sterilised due to incorrect temperatures are just a couple of customer examples that could have been avoided through having the necessary equipment calibrated on a regular basis.

6. Dissatisfied Customers
Poor Quality and Missed Deliveries rarely make for happy customers!

7. Loss of Business
Poor Product Quality, Disappointed Customers, Increased Costs and Loss of Reputation all add up to a Loss of Business

8. Increased Downtime
If poor product quality is the first sign that equipment is in need of maintenance then remedial action becomes the only option. This can result in a line being taken out of action whilst necessary repairs are made. A regular calibration programme helps to show up any drift in equipment performance enabling maintenance to be planned and disruption minimised.

9. Lower Profits
Waste is a real profit killer. Many businesses focus on reducing inefficiencies (Wasted materials, resources and time). Often, the emphasis is placed on staff, processes and equipment capability with equipment efficiencies and inaccuracies not considered. Poor product quality will ultimately affect sales and could even results in a product recall. A routine calibration programme assures you that your equipment is measuring correctly and enables you to take necessary steps if it isn’t.

10. Litigation and Fines
In the UK: The Consumer Protection Act 1987 states that a retailer must sell products free from bacteria which could cause food poisoning. Improper temperature control of food could result in a negligence claim, ensuring that equipment is measuring accurately at least ensures that a business has the tools necessary. Of course food is only one area where a business is open to litigation.

More information about Tempcon’s services >>here.