Welcome to the NCSLI Technical Exchange Online Measurement Training Program!
The NCSLI 2022 online Technical Exchange will start March 2. Build and enhance your hands-on skills in the calibration of measurement and test equipment. This online training will teach best practices along with introducing new and innovative calibration hardware, software and calibration services. Each training session is taught by a measurement science expert. Managers, please review the upcoming schedule and register your team today!

Registration Fee: 4 hour courses: NCSLI Members $150 Non-Members $250
Earn CEUs: .1 CEU Credit per hour = Total CEUs .4

Technical Logistics and Requirements

Date Pending
Improving Efficiencies in the Modern Calibration Laboratory | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

During this session, we will discuss topics that cover efficiency and performance in modern weight calibration, improve the calibration process, minimize errors and optimize costs.
For example, once installed, the comparator must be subject to some form of Equipment Qualification (EQ) process. These high performance balances are "Race horses" that require an environment that meets control requirements to meet the required uncertainty budget for the given echelon of Measurement Uncertainty. 
The Qualification process forms part of a validation process that will quantify and record the performance, helping to establish in-situ environmental impact, and give a structure to support correct implementation of the instrument.
Join us as we cover the essential components of a Comparator Qualification and Service, (CQS). Whether used as a comparison device, or as a high performance, direct-reading balance or scale. We will cover the requirements for both schema.

We will also spend important time looking into productivity gains and efficiencies, achieved by the careful and strategic investment in advanced instrumentation for weight calibration. 
Employing robotic and automatic comparators in the modern calibration lab not only greatly improves achieved uncertainties, but will free-up personnel to complete other tasks, whilst the comparators are running their own calibration routines. Hence allowing multi-layer efficiency gains and performance improvements.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain knowledge of how to improve the calibration process
2. Fully understand how your precious investments interact with, and operate in your lab environment
3. Learn how to minimize errors and improve efficiencies
4. Garner an understanding into how to optimize costs through intelligent investment

Ian Ciesniewski, Mettler Toledo

Date Pending
Measurement Confidence: Making Statements of Conformity and Measurement Decision Rules
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

When a calibration report is provided by a calibration supplier, a typical concern for the customer is to know if the item calibrated is within the tolerance specified so it can be used without delay. While this traditional approach is still thought to be fine over the years, measurement science has evolved where it is not a simple binary issue of a “pass” or “fail” status to manufacturer’s specification. Laboratory accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 has advanced the good practices related to calibration to include more information to the process of calibrating an item and just calling it within conformance (“pass” or “fail”).

This presentation educates both the consumer and supplier of calibration services on what is required of them to ensure that an “appropriate” pass or fail call is made to meet the requirements of the customer when a calibration activity takes place. Measurement confidence involves understanding of these important considerations that we call the three pillars of measurement: Measurement Uncertainty, Metrological Traceability, Implementing Measurement.

Decision Rules to make a Statement of Conformity:

This workshop discusses how a test and calibration laboratory can report a measurement result that it can defend with a good implementation of the three pillars of measurement. The requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clauses 6.5, 7.1, 7.6 and 7.8.6 are discussed using a practical, common sense approach. What was traditionally the job of a calibration laboratory (the “experts”) to make a call (“pass” or “fail”) now requires interaction up front from the customer before they can make that call on a calibration certificate. The contract review phase becomes more important in specifying the calibration requirements by the customer.

Some common decision rules covered in ILAC G8:09/2019 document are discussed. Concepts of Consumer’s Risk and Producer’s risk are discussed to ensure both consumers and suppliers of calibration services are engaged in specifying and delivering a calibration product that can be used with confidence.

Attendees will engage in practical, hands-on exercises using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet on their laptop computers to implement these concepts.

Learning Objectives

1. Understanding the decision rules for conformance
2. Specifying the conformance requirements by the customer
3. How measurement uncertainty impacts a decision rule
4. How a statement of conformity should be reported
5. Understanding the conformance decision and minimizing the risk for a safer, confident use
   of the calibrated item

Dilip Shah, E=mc³ Solutions

Date Pending

Practical Risk Management and Company Objectives - Asset Management 
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

Every business has SMART objectives, that is, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. There are two key objectives that every business focuses on: 1) revenue (profit and loss), and 2) asset utilization (turnaround time). Asset utilization or velocity, the ability to maximize an asset’s usefulness or “up time” is pivotal in generating revenue and ensuring customer confidence in an organization’s ability to deliver on the product or service in the time committed. ISO 9001, and its derivative standards, as well as ISO/IEC 17025:2017 understood this from a business perspective which is the reason for elevating risk‐based thinking and risk management to a higher plane. While 17025 focuses risk management from a reactive position (see 7.10.1b) for nonconformances), proactive risk management is something on which management drives and can prepare.

This workshop is designed to approach risk management proactively from either a qualitative or quantitative perspective, students’ choice, on the topic of asset management. Using ISO 31000 and 31010 techniques and tools as the basis for our approach, the class will analyze the expenses in the context of balancing a calibration interval program, intermediate checks, intra and inter‐laboratory comparisons, proficiency testing, customer satisfaction, internal audits, and management reviews to evaluate the risk to the organization and derive an action plan. The goal is to be able to take the risk analysis techniques used in this workshop and immediately apply it to the organization.

Ideal attendees should have some laboratory supervisory or management experience and a basic familiarity with Microsoft Excel. Attendees are required to bring a laptop with Excel installed (97 and up acceptable).

Learning Objectives

1. Establish and define risk levels for its organization,
2. Describe and document the context of a process,
3. Identify and Analyze risks and risk levels using a risk register (simplified PFMEA),
4. Establish monitoring points to manage risk and costs, and
5. Develop an action plan for implementation to measure plan success

Tim Osborne, A2LA Workplace Training (AWPT)

Date Pending
Understanding Pass/Fail Measurement Decision Risk and How to Comply with ISO/IEC 17025:2017
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

This tutorial will cover: What is measurement decision risk? Specific vs. global (average) risk; When to use each type; Techniques for estimating approximate per cent risk; Inputs needed; Tables and figures to interpolate; Importance of considering both False accept and false reject risk; Level of risk associated with several common decision rules in use today; Guidance flowchart for general selection of appropriate decision rules; Class examples; Class exercises.

Jonathan Harben, Keysight Technologies

Anyone making force measurements should attend this course if they are not familiar with all the sources of measurement error in relation to force measurements. Examples of these errors include proper calibration adapters. Using a top block for compression loading can produce up to a 0.5 % error if the end-user is using something with different hardness and/or flatness. Using the wrong pin size on a tension link can cause a 2 % error on a device with an accuracy of 0.1 % of full scale. The measurement errors demonstrated and discussed will include errors associated with improper alignment, use of different and/or incorrect adapter types, thread depth, and thread loading as well as some load cell troubleshooting techniques. During the workshop, we will discuss over twenty common major error sources and how to avoid them. We will then focus on ISO/IEC 17025:2017 section 6.4.5 “The equipment used for measurement shall be capable of achieving the measurement accuracy and/or measurement uncertainty required to provide a valid result.” Taking this section into account, we will discuss measurement decision risk with a focus on ANSI/NCSL Z540.3-2006 Method 5 & Method 6 and how the Test Uncertainty Ratio (TUR) impacts the laboratories’ ability to make statements of conformity to a specification per section 7.1.3 of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. Recommended skill level for the course is anyone who has experience with force equipment and wants to learn how they can minimize potential measurement errors and reduce their measurement risk.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and Quantify force measurement errors
• Implementation of techniques for proper calibration of equipment
• Use the appropriate force equipment and method to make statements of conformance

Henry Zumbrun, Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc.

• Describe the difference between a Proficiency Test and an Interlaboratory comparison
• Name at least three benefits of proficiency testing
• Develop a PT plan
• Calculate a normalized error (E_n)
• Interpret PT results

Carol Hockert, National Association for Proficiency Testing (NAPT)

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 Completed
Dynamic Sensors and Calibration | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

The vibration calibration class will dive into calibration theory, standards, and methodology for dynamic sensors as well as detailed construction of different sensor types and the operational theories behind them. The target audience is a beginner to intermediate level.

Learning Objectives

1. Attendees with gain a greater understanding of calibration theory, standards, and methodology
2. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of different sensor types
3. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of the importance of calibrations and gain hands on experience while participating in relevant labs

Patrick Timmons, The Modal Shop

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Completed
Internal Auditing of your ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited Laboratory  | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

This tutorial aims to teach practical internal auditing skills to individuals familiar with the activities of an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration or testing laboratory. We will examine auditing principles and techniques and practice internal auditing skills. While the tutorial is based on internationally recognized approaches to conducting internal audits, we will also draw on attendees' practical laboratory experience, as well as ensure that the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for an internal audit are understood. The course includes easy-to-implement methods for risk-based thinking, continual improvement, and closing out findings through the analysis of root causes aimed at their elimination.

Helga Alexander, International Accreditation Service (IAS)

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Completed
Temperature Calibration – Dry Block Calibrator Fundamentals | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

This course is an introduction to the design, construction, evolution, practical use, and common errors associated with dry block temperature calibrators. The course will start by examining known temperature calibration devices including their benefits and limitations. It will progress to discuss dry block calibrator design, evolution, and progression to the current level of temperature standard. The material will include dry block selection, use, best practices, set up, care, misuses, and common issues experienced while using dry block calibrators. The course will finish with hands-on activities with various levels of dry block calibrators.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the purpose for using a dry block calibrator and where it may be advantageous of over other technologies but also understand where it may be limited or inappropriate
2. Gain an awareness of the design and basic operation of a dry block calibrator as well as understanding the evolution of the models from the inception of the technology to the models available today
3. Practical applications, proper use, care, and common mistakes made when using dry block calibrators

Scott Crone, Ametek 

Wednesday, May 4, 2022 Rescheduled date pending

Selecting, Implementing, and Maintaining a Calibration Management Software System in a Regulated Environment | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

Selecting and Implementing a Calibration Management Software System is a critical process for a calibration laboratory, especially in a bio-medical regulated environment. However, there are few examples or documents that explain this process from a user’s perspective. The objective of this paper is to explain the selection process, provide examples of the documentation used, and to pass along lessons that were learned. The following topics will be discussed: Selection Process Overview, Develop Business Requirements, Convert Requirements to a Scoring Matrix, Evaluate Vendors, Implementation Process Overview, System Development and Validation Life Cycle, Data Conversion, Test Scripts, and Implementation, and Maintenance Process Overview.

Learning Objectives

1. Comprehension: Identify the main aspects of the Selection process.
2. Comprehension: Identify the main aspects of the Implementation process.
3. Comprehension: Identify the main aspects of the Maintenance process.
   

Walter Nowocin, IndySoft

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Completed
Introduction to the Suncal Software for Statistical Metrology Calculations | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

In this hands-on tutorial, we will step through several example calculations using Suncal, the free and open-source software developed by the Primary Standards Lab at Sandia National Laboratories for performing common statistical calculations encountered in metrology. Example calculations include uncertainty propagation using GUM and Monte Carlo methods, measurement decision risk and guardbanding calculations, evaluating uncertainty in curve-fitting problems, analysis of variance, and determination of optimal calibration intervals. We will also see how these different functions are integrated in the easy-to-use and intuitive software interface, for example, by using the results of an uncertainty calculation as the input to a risk calculation. Upon completion, participants will be able to leverage Suncal to streamline their metrology calculations while retaining transparency into the formulas behind them.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Gain experience using the Suncal software for uncertainty calculations
2. Explore advanced calculations features of Suncal such as decision risk and arbitrary curve fitting
3. Understand the general statistical basis of the calculations done by Suncal

Wednesday, June 8, 2022 Completed
Pressure Calibration Hands-on Training  | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

Learn how to assess pressure calibration needs and setup appropriate equipment to perform reliable and accurate calibrations. Spend time working hands-on with the product as experts help to review key considerations that should be evaluated in appropriate calibration procedures.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand basic pressure calibration concepts and terminology
2. Select appropriate pressure calibration equipment
3. Setup and run automated / semi-automated pressure calibrations
4. Understand common errors associated with pressure calibration
   

Chris Christofferson, Additel Corporation

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 Completed
Introduction to Dimensional Calibration | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT) Next up!

This tutorial introduces common dimensional calibrations and will include a variety of hands-on exercises. Towards the end of the tutorial, students will have an opportunity to participate in proficiency testing to demonstrate their skills and to potentially earn certified credentials in calibration. The focus of the tutorial will be on the calibration of small dimensional measuring instruments, such as micrometers, calipers, and indicators, and will include procedures, worksheets, and example certificates. The hands-on use of important measurement standards, such as gage blocks, ring gages, and optical flats will also be covered, as well as what to look for in the calibration of reference standards. This tutorial will also briefly discuss the field calibration of major instruments such as optical comparators and coordinate measuring machines.

1. Develop practical skills in the calibration of common dimensional measuring instruments
2. Understanding of best calibration practices, application of American metrology standards, and the extension of the basic principles to the calibration of other items.
3. Selection of the proper measurement standards and calibration providers based on an understanding of accuracy and uncertainty

Jim Salsbury PhD & Jeff Meyerholz, Mitutoyo America Corporation

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 Completed
How to Plan Training and Mentoring Programs: For Test & Metrology Career Professionals 
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)
 

Does your Company have a formal training or mentoring program? Is your career going in the direction you intended? Are your skills being developed at the pace you had hoped? Is your training at the level you need to succeed? Is your career development plan active and linked to mentoring focals?

If not, what can you do to develop both your individual plan and those of your team and peers?

This tutorial is the next phase of the NCSLI Training and Mentoring Program designed for developing motivated participants to create a standardized training plan, coupled with skill development and tailored mentoring opportunities, which support a successful test and metrology career.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify a training plan format to strengthen and enhance a mentoring program.
2. Document core technical and key peripheral skills that can accelerate career goals.
3. Create customized phases to become a SME (Subject Matter Expert) in specific discipline(s).
4. Initiate the creation of a personalized mentoring strategy paired with flexible plan goals.
5. Participants learn a step-by-step process of personal strategic planning that enables them to take control of their development.

James Smith, The Boeing Company

Wednesday, November 2, 2022 Completed
From Measurement Uncertainty to Confident Reliability: Move from Stress to Success 
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)
 

Stressed about measurement uncertainty and application? This short course is for technicians, engineers, or managers involved with test equipment usage would like to know more about interpreting vendor specifications for developing uncertainty analysis statements. We will address the importance of clarifying definitions and requirements from manufacturer specifications, address accuracy verses uncertainty, look at different vendor specifications, block diagram measurement systems, build math models, and perform uncertainty analysis estimates. Have you ever wondered how metrology laboratory decisions impact customers? We will also discuss the importance of value-added metrology calibrations to customer measurement applications and how measurement uncertainty affects customer schedule, cost, and program reliability.

William Miller, Measurement Assurance

Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Completed
The Practical Application and Automation of Temperature Calibration | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (MT)

Temperature calibration is an essential part of many industries in today’s world. After all, most metrology measurements themselves require close attention to temperature conditions. Whether measuring atmospheric conditions, a vital manufacturing process, or even a very subtle change in a molecular reaction, temperature measurements are all around us. With a high demand for accuracy, traceability, ease of use and time awareness, partial and full automation of calibration work has become a must. Join us for an informative and practical open discussion about the fundamentals temperature calibration work as we explore the common errors and practical application and automation of temperature calibration work.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand basic temperature calibration concepts and terminology
2. Select appropriate temperature calibration equipment
3. Setup and run automated/ semi-automated thermocouple, PRT & thermistor calibrations
4. Understand common errors associated with temperature calibration

Chris Christofferson, Additel