There are a multitude of beneficial reasons to outsource metrology. Three that come to mind are the cost savings, overcoming the difficulties of finding a solid metrologist, and securing the level of expertise needed for the task at hand.
Benefits in Regards to Outsourcing
Often a customer who seeks to run their own internal metrology lab assumes the above items are easy to work around, but that is a grave mistake that often leaves a customer with an expensive piece of equipment that is not suited for their processes and or lacking the staff to use the equipment correctly. Here are few benefits in regards to outsourcing:
Cost Savings:
Outsourcing has several perks, but outsourcings primary benefit is cost savings. When you factor in the cost associated with performing these processes in house you will discover that outsourcing reduces your over all costs. A small sampling of the costs involved in running an internal quality lab would include initial equipment purchases, equipment maintenance costs, software costs, software maintenance costs, accreditation costs, wage costs and benefit package costs. Often times the costs of staffing a skilled metrologist on hand is higher than the yearly costs of outsourcing all of your CMM/Scanner inspection work.
Skilled Labor Shortages:
It is no surprise that there is a skilled labor shortage across the country right now. It is very difficult to find a skilled metrologist who adequately understands GD&T, metrology and the specific metrology software used in a company’s internal lab. The pressures of quick turn-around and odd influxes of workload can also cause it to be difficult to retain a metrologist. When a metrologist decides to leave there is rarely someone on staff that can fill the gap, which leaves needs unmeet and now one has to jump through the hoops to find another option.
Expertise:
Metrologists working in a third-party inspection house see a larger variety of prints and inspections than someone who is working in a manufacturing facility that sees the same parts/part types over and over. Often times internal metrologists have to divide their time across many other tasks, whereas a metrologist in a third-party inspection house is programming 8-12 hours a day. The amount of experience gained in a short amount of time is substantial and can really be an aid when one runs into a less than favorable situation or a tricky GD&T call that requires interpretation of the dimensional engineer’s intent. This experience helps reduce costs because the experience level affords competency and efficiency during a particular project.
A brief engagement of the above benefits gives a keen insight into some of the many reasons why PJF is a viable option to reduce costs, meet labor shortage needs, and bring expertise so that the job is done correctly and quickly. We would love the opportunity to earn your business and look forward to hearing from you.
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