SATs: Easy, 100% error-free?

If you or your company are tasked with ensuring furnace compliance then you already know this about SATs:

• SATs are anything but easy, and
• 100% Error-free?...well that just doesn't exist.

So what options DO exist today that simplify SATs and reduce human-error?

Spreadsheets (pro/cons)

Most heat treaters and pyrometry labs create spreadsheets and/or other home-made database tools to mange the SAT process.

Pros: The heat treater or pyrometry lab are in full control of the design/development of the spreadsheet or other software tool.

Cons: The time savings are relatively small while opportunity for human error remains large. "Key-man-risk"...that is the risk that the creator of the software tool will one day depart, leaving your organization unable to fully support it.

Third-Party Software (pros/cons)

Options for third-party software (specifically designed for furnace compliance) do exist today and they have their advantages.

Pros: No software maintenance required. Provides you with a more comprehensive furnace compliance solution (ie: CAL, SAT, TUS, Alt-SAT, and more...) They focus on continued feature enhancements and provide auto-updates whenever industry specifications change (AMS-2750 & CQI-9). Training is minimal, and time spent maintaining furnace compliance is reduced by upwards of 40+%. Human error is virtually eliminated.

Cons: Due diligence is a must to ensure applicability (ie: does the software truly do what is needed to ensure furnace compliance)? Limited options for customization.

What option is best for me?

If you're a small heat treater (or pyrometry lab) managing just a couple of furnaces then spreadsheets will be your most cost effective solution.

However if you're a heat treater (or a pyrometry lab) managing furnace compliance for just 5 or maybe as many as 5000 furnaces then third-party software will not only save you time and money, it will provide real-time furnace compliance visibility and an increased level of control over quality. The value and benefits these systems offer are measurable and pay for themselves very quickly while making the SAT process error-free and easier to manage.

So what does "Easy and Error-free" look like?

The video below shows an SAT job using third-party software provider: C3 Data.

To learn how else you and your organization can streamline furnace compliance tell us how to get in touch with you and we'll provide you with more info.

Connect to: Nathan Wright