In-House Calibrations vs ISO 17025:2017 Accredited Labs Which is Better
- Greg Weedon
- Oct 20
- 4 min read
In today's fast-paced industries, ensuring the accuracy of measurement instruments is crucial for success. Calibration, the process of verifying that your equipment is providing reliable data, plays a key role in this. Organizations often confront a dilemma: should they perform calibrations in-house or partner with an ISO 17025:2017 accredited lab? In this post, we will examine the pros and cons of both strategies, so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Understanding Calibration
Calibration is the act of adjusting measuring instruments to ensure they produce accurate results. This usually involves comparing a device's readings against a known standard. Proper calibration is vital across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and scientific research, where even small discrepancies can result in costly errors. For instance, a mis calibrated thermometer in a pharmaceutical lab could lead to ineffective drug production, potentially costing millions.
The Case for In-House Calibrations
Cost-Effectiveness
Cost is often a primary factor in choosing to calibrate in-house. For small and medium-sized businesses, avoiding the fees of accredited labs can mean saving thousands of dollars a year. By managing calibrations internally, organizations can allocate funds more effectively toward their core operations.
Control Over the Process
In-house calibrations give organizations substantial control. They can schedule calibrations at their convenience, which minimizes equipment downtime. For example, a manufacturing plant might find that calibrating during non-peak hours allows them to maintain productivity levels, ensuring that machines are operational when demand increases.
Familiarity with Equipment
Your in-house technicians usually have hands-on experience with the specific instruments they are calibrating. This familiarity can enhance the accuracy of the calibrations. In a recent survey, 78% of technicians reported feeling more confident in calibrating equipment they regularly use, compared to less familiar instruments.
The Advantages of ISO 17025:2017 Accredited Labs
Credibility and Trust
An ISO 17025:2017 accreditation signifies a lab meets high international standards for quality and competence. This accreditation can improve your organization's credibility with clients and stakeholders. Research shows that companies that use accredited labs reported a 60% increase in customer trust, translating to better client retention rates.
Access to Expertise
Accredited labs employ specialists with extensive training in calibration technologies. This expertise lets organizations leverage the latest advancements without investing in training their own staff. For example, labs often have access to sophisticated measurement technologies that could be cost-prohibitive for individual organizations to acquire.
Compliance with Regulations
Many sectors require strict compliance with calibration standards. Using an ISO 17025:2017 accredited lab helps ensure adherence to these industry regulations, reducing the risk of costly penalties. For instance, a medical device company that fails to comply with calibration regulations could face fines of up to 10% of annual revenue.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
In-House Calibration: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cost savings: Avoiding external fees can be beneficial for tighter budgets.
Greater control: Organizations can calibrate on their own timetable, reducing downtime.
Familiarity with equipment: Technicians know their instruments inside and out, leading to potentially more accurate results.
Cons:
Expertise limitations: Technicians may not be as well-trained in calibration as specialists in accredited labs.
Compliance risk: There might be less guarantee of adherence to necessary standards. Higher Risk of false acceptance and non conforming work.
Limited technology access: In-house setups may lack advanced calibration tools.
ISO 17025:2017 Accredited Labs: Pros and Cons
Pros:
High credibility: Accreditation builds trust among clients and partners.
Specialized expertise: Access to a team of trained professionals advances calibration accuracy.
Regulatory compliance: Labs ensure adherence to industry standards, minimizing risks and guaranteeing compliance.
Cons:
Higher costs: Outsourcing can be more expensive than in-house options.
Less scheduling control: Organizations must work within the lab's schedule.
Turnaround time delays: External calibrations can take longer, impacting operational efficiency.
Finding the Best Fit for Your Organization
Choosing between in-house or outsourced calibrations depends on your unique needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
Budget Constraints
Organizations with limited financial resources might lean toward in-house calibrations. However, they should be aware of the challenges regarding accuracy and compliance.
Industry Requirements
Understand the specific regulatory landscape of your industry. If your sector is heavily regulated, partnering with an ISO 17025:2017 accredited lab could provide the compliance assurance your organization requires.
Equipment Complexity
For organizations that operate with complex or specialized equipment, the expertise provided by accredited labs can be crucial. Technicians in-house may not possess the required knowledge to manage all calibration needs effectively.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between in-house calibrations and ISO 17025:2017 accredited labs carries both advantages and disadvantages. The decision hinges on your organization's specific needs, budgets, and industry Standards. By evaluating these factors closely, you can make a well-informed choice to ensure your measurements remain accurate and reliable. Even if you choose in-house calibrations, you might want to outsource some of the units that are high risk or critical. Ultimately, whether you decide to calibrate in-house or outsource this task, your objective remains the same: to uphold the highest standards of precision and quality in your operations.
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