What are the best practices for verifying the accuracy and reliability of your measurements?

1 Define your measurement objectives

Before you start measuring anything, you need to define what you want to measure, why you want to measure it, and how you will use the measurement results. This will help you select the most appropriate measurement methods, tools, and parameters for your specific purpose. For example, if you want to measure the vibration of a rotating machine, you need to decide which vibration parameters (such as amplitude, frequency, or phase) are relevant for your diagnosis, which sensors and transducers are suitable for capturing the vibration signals, and how you will analyze and interpret the data.

2 Calibrate your measurement instruments

Calibration is the process of comparing your measurement instruments to a known standard of reference and adjusting them if necessary to eliminate any systematic errors or biases. Calibration ensures that your instruments are accurate, meaning that they measure what they are supposed to measure and that their readings agree with the true value of the measured quantity. You should calibrate your instruments regularly, following the manufacturer's recommendations or your own calibration schedule, depending on the frequency and conditions of use. You should also document and record the calibration results and procedures for traceability and quality assurance.

3 Validate your measurement methods

Validation is the process of verifying that your measurement methods are reliable, meaning that they produce consistent and repeatable results under the same or similar conditions. Validation helps you identify and reduce any random errors or uncertainties that may affect your measurements, such as noise, interference, or environmental factors. You can validate your measurement methods by performing multiple measurements of the same quantity using the same or different instruments, methods, or operators, and comparing the results using statistical techniques such as mean, standard deviation, or confidence intervals. You can also use reference materials, control samples, or external benchmarks to compare your results with known or expected values.

4 Optimize your measurement settings

Optimizing your measurement settings means choosing the best configuration and parameters for your measurement instruments and methods to achieve the highest accuracy and reliability possible. For example, you may need to adjust the resolution, range, sensitivity, or sampling rate of your instruments to match the characteristics and dynamics of the measured quantity. You may also need to select the appropriate filters, amplifiers, or signal processing techniques to enhance the quality and clarity of your measurement signals. You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions and best practices for setting up and operating your instruments and methods.

5 Monitor your measurement performance

Monitoring your measurement performance means checking and verifying that your instruments and methods are functioning properly and maintaining their accuracy and reliability over time. You can monitor your measurement performance by conducting regular tests, inspections, or audits of your instruments and methods, using predefined criteria and standards. You can also use indicators, such as drift, stability, linearity, or repeatability, to assess the performance of your instruments and methods. You should always record and document your monitoring results and actions, and take corrective measures if you detect any problems or deviations.

6 Review and improve your measurement practices

Reviewing and improving your measurement practices means evaluating and updating your measurement objectives, methods, instruments, settings, and performance based on the feedback and outcomes of your measurement activities. You should review and improve your measurement practices periodically, or whenever you encounter new challenges, opportunities, or requirements for your measurements. You should also seek to learn from the best practices and experiences of other professionals in your field, and apply them to your own measurement practices. By reviewing and improving your measurement practices, you can ensure that your measurements are always accurate and reliable, and that they support your preventive maintenance goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?