Wednesday, February 6, 2013 / Day 1
Two Day Wednesday & Thursday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TE 1 - An Introduction to Instrument Control and Calibration Automation in LabVIEW™ - Cancelled
Daniel Kuecker and Paul Packebush, National Instruments
Abstract: Automation of instrument calibration improves repeatability of service, reduces manpower requirements, and improves service margin. Many calibration laboratories understand the benefits of automation, but feel they lack the appropriate software development skills to perform coding tasks. Modern programming environments and tools are extremely powerful, but can seem daunting to laboratory engineers. Alleviating these concerns, a number of software companies supply simplified tools and libraries to ease the interactions between calibration standards and automation software. Additionally, programming tools exist that are designed with the automation engineer in mind. During this two day hands-on tutorial, session participants will explore the LabVIEW environment, learn to develop, instrument control, data-logging, and measurement analysis applications. At the end of the course, they will be able to create applications using basic design templates and architectures to automate processes, acquire, process, display, and store real-world data.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
One Day
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TE 2 - Best Practices and Evaluation of Suppliers in Testing- Cancelled
Mark Ruefenacht, Heusser Neweigh
Abstract: Implementing a Successful "Supplier Evaluation & Purchasing" Program for the Testing Laboratory
Supplier evaluation is a requirement in ISO/IEC 17025:2005. Supplier evaluation is also a critical component in achieving measurement and testing traceability. This hands-on workshop will focus on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Section 4.6 "Purchasing Services and Supplies;" and Section 5.6 "Measurement Traceability." Practical recommendations and helpful tools will be shared to avoid some of the most common nonconformities in assessments related to Purchasing and Traceability. At the end of the workshop, using your notes and materials, participants will be able to: 1) evaluate your laboratory policy and procedure for the selection and purchasing of services and supplies for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005; 2) describe the records that should be maintained to document a thorough supplier evaluation; 3) audit your chain of traceability for critical suppliers performing calibrations and providing reference materials; 4) implement an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 compliant policy and program for Supplier Evaluation & Purchasing. To maximize the effectiveness of this hands-on workshop, participants are highly encouraged to bring the following: 1) a copy or draft of their Purchasing of Service & Supplies policy and procedure; 2) copies of multiple supplier Certificates of Calibration; and 3) copies of reference material certificates. A laptop with wireless internet capability will be helpful but not mandatory. This workshop is limited to 30 participants and is highly recommended for persons responsible for purchasing supplies and services, internal auditors, laboratory quality managers, and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 assessors.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
One Day
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TE 3 - Good, Bad or Indeterminate Analysis of Measurement Results
Dilip Shah, E = mc3 Solutions
Abstract: When we analyze test data, we need to make a call - Good, Bad or Indeterminate? What if we call something good while it was bad, or it was good but we called it bad? Or if we are not sure, there is a lot of indecision. Neither scenario is good when: someone is waiting for test results; someone's life depends on it; making the wrong call costs a lot of money and/or reputation confidence is eroded in decision making
Learning Objectives: This workshop is intended for decision making individuals in the testing laboratory environment. It demonstrates use of statistical decision making tools that instill a degree of confidence when a test result has to be analyzed or compared. The target audience for this workshop is beginner to intermediate level test laboratory technicians and supervisors. Knowledge of basic math is required. Statistical tools and concepts shall be introduced, explained and worked on with examples in an interactive style in this workshop. If possible, please bring a laptop (with spreadsheet software) to the workshop to analyze sample data.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
One Day
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TE 4 - Thermocouple Theory and Practical Application
Ken Sloneker, A2LA
Abstract: Thermocouples are widely used in nearly every manufacturing industry. Their use and calibration require a fundamental understanding of the principles behind their operation. This course covers those principles in sufficient depth to allow the user to make more confident measurements. Thermoelectric theory to practical application issues are covered in over six hours of course material. Working with thermocouples in the field and in the laboratory is different, and it is important for the respective user to understand what the others data is really telling them. Although some practical application issues are covered in this course, there will be an emphasis on thermocouple calibration and use in a laboratory environment. A practical section using thermocouple sensors and instruments is included. Participants are encouraged to submit questions about thermocouples ahead of time.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Half Day
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TE 5 - Measurement Literacy: Speaking the language of measurement to support your understanding and the needs of your organization
Dana Leaman, NVLAP
Abstract: Have you ever felt like your measurement service provider or other measurement professionals are speaking a different language? Whether you are experienced or new to the measurement community you sometimes may want to get a handle on the evolving measurement lingo & jargon? Presenters speaking in acronyms and you hope someone will eventually provide a translator? All this can certainly leave you feeling confused and unsure about getting the most from your measurement provider or even where to access the resources to gain this knowledge. This tutorial will focus on a discussion of the many international relationships, measurement terms and concepts to assist you in the development of your measurement knowledge and vocabulary understanding, enabling you to better participate in discussions within the greater measurement community.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Half Day
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TE 6 - Calibration of Torque Wrenches (Type I and II)
Tim Osborne, Dynamic Technology, Inc.
Abstract: Many people, including technicians new to the calibration, assume torque wrenches are mere toolbox wrenches with an indicator and are treated as such, during routine use and calibration. Studies during audits and assessments alike have revealed the contrary. Caused mainly by technique and lack of knowledge of how these tools work, many factors lead to erroneous and non-repeatable errors that will cause problems with the end-user and the product. This student will discover for themselves, through performing their own testing, maintenance and calibration, the error contributions in torque measurement and ways of mitigating them in their companies.
Learning Objectives: The student, at the conclusion of this technical session, should be able to; describe the physics of torque and components of a torque wrench; qualify sources of torque error and describe adverse effects thereof; demonstrate with a portable torque calibration system and a national procedure, the proper method of exercising and calibrating wrenches; adjust and repair some torque wrenches.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Half Day
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
TE 7 - Is This Measurement Result Traceable? - Cancelled
Georgia Harris, NIST
Abstract: One of the number one questions often asked by recipients of calibration reports, ISO 900x assessors, FAA assessors and laboratory auditors is "is this measurement result traceable?" There are probably as many answers to this question as there are those trying to evaluate it. This session will take a look at defining metrological traceability, identify the organizations who are involved with interpreting metrological traceability, clarify the essential elements that must be present in the evaluation of traceability, and provide a number of tools that can be used directly or as templates in assessing the evidence to determine if "claims of traceability" are adequate. Through activities and review of examples, this will be an interactive session.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify definitions and interpretations of metrological traceability; Identify resources that are available to help them in assessing calibration reports and measurement results for traceability; Share frustrations and best practices with other participants in the session to enable all of us to more effectively answer this question.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Half Day
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
TE 8 – Intermediate Dimensional Metrology
Dr. Ted Doiron, NIST
Abstract: There are a large number of books on dimensional metrology, and nearly all of them are at the beginner level how to use the instruments for inspection. Thermal expansion, elastic deformation, stability, refractive index of air, closure and reversal methods, deterministic metrology, comparator principle and the use of check standards are generally ignored. This tutorial will be an overview of some of these important techniques and concepts not covered in books and classes. Each concept will be presented with examples of how the techniques make measurements more accurate, and in some cases, more efficient.
Learning Objectives: Dimensional metrology does have a few very basic concepts and large number of tricks of the trade. This tutorial is aimed at being an entry point for metrologists who already know how to operate their measuring equipment.
Thursday, February 7, 2013 / Day 2
Two Day Wednesday & Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
TE 1 - An Introduction to Instrument Control and Calibration Automation in LabVIEW™
Laura Ramirez and Paul Packebush, National Instruments
Abstract: Automation of instrument calibration improves repeatability of service, reduces manpower requirements, and improves service margin. Many calibration laboratories understand the benefits of automation, but feel they lack the appropriate software development skills to perform coding tasks. Modern programming environments and tools are extremely powerful, but can seem daunting to laboratory engineers. Alleviating these concerns, a number of software companies supply simplified tools and libraries to ease the interactions between calibration standards and automation software. Additionally, programming tools exist that are designed with the automation engineer in mind. During this two day hands-on tutorial, session participants will explore the LabVIEW environment, learn to develop, instrument control, data-logging, and measurement analysis applications. At the end of the course, they will be able to create applications using basic design templates and architectures to automate processes, acquire, process, display, and store real-world data.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
One Day
8:00 AM – 5:00PM
TE 9 - Uncertainty in Testing
Marlene Moore, Advanced Systems, Inc
Abstract: The tutorial provides instruction on the uncertainty principles as applied in testing laboratories using measuring systems for generating measurement data. The presentation provides an overview of the Guidelines for Estimating Uncertainty (GUM) and the Eurochem document for chemical measurements. This course also presents a useful tool for calculating uncertainty using existing quality control samples. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of test methods or uncertainty calculations requiring the identification of measurement uncertainty. The test methods may be used to review the application of various measurement uncertainty techniques during the tutorial.
Learning Objective: The students should accomplish the following objectives by the end of the Seminar: Summarize the current application of measurement uncertainty for conformance to accreditation requirements for chemical, biological and related testing laboratories (e.g. environmental, food, medical). Identify procedures for calculating uncertainty for data produced from testing laboratories using standard methods. Identify the estimation of uncertainty requirements for testing laboratories for determining expanded uncertainty of measurements.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
One Day
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
TE 10 - Introduction to Statistical Process Control in the Calibration Laboratory
Bryan Wilkerson, Dynamic Technology, Inc.
Abstract: All laboratories make lots of measurements but much of this measurement data is underutilized. Daily checks are captured in logs to ensure sustainability of measurements and reduce risk of a bad measurement, but rarely are they used to evaluate the suitability of the measurement process. In many cases the data measurement is just compared against a predetermined tolerance. In many cases there are several other process efficiencies and deficiencies that can be easily identified with proper analysis of the data. This type of analysis of the data not only informs the staff of the process performance levels, but also helps to identify the sources of systematic errors in the process of making the measurement. The purpose of this class is to provide the student a mechanism for compiling, evaluating and making decisions for improving measurement efficiency and reproducibility.
Learning Objectives: The student, at the conclusion of this technical session, should be able to: Build, read and utilize control charts using MS Excel; using the previous, gain a better understanding of the data and the measurement processes; apply the statistical data from the control charts to evaluate contributions to the measurement uncertainty. Utilize the data to make educated decisions on the efficiency of the measurement process in regards to calibration intervals, meeting uncertainty requirements, and cost of operation.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
One Day
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
TE 11 - ISO/IEC 17025 Overview and 17025 Observation Exercises
Ryan Fischer, LAB
Abstract: Abstract: This 1 day tutorial will cover an overview of the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 as well as reviewing observations from an audit/assessment in a group setting. This tutorial is meant for laboratories familiar with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and those looking for objective evidence needed to meet those requirements of the standard. The group exercises will cover observations from an audit/assessment setting and discussed within a group setting to determine which area(s) of the standard those observations are applicable.
Learning Objectives: This 1 day tutorial is targeted for anyone interested in an overview of ISO/IEC 17025 standard and discussion of observation from an audit/assessment.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
One Day
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
TE 12 - Forensic Sciences - Testing, Inspection and Accreditation - Cancelled
Ashly Carter, A2LA
Abstract: Forensic Science is the identification and evaluation of evidence and encompasses an array of investigative and testing disciplines and sub-disciplines which are employed by forensic facilities. While ISO/IEC 17025 to accredit testing laboratories has been in use for many years, the application of ISO/IEC 17025 to forensic testing is relatively new and requires additional requirements to ensure the quality of work, competence of staff, and the security of case information. In regards to crime scene unit accreditation, ISO/IEC 17020 has been found to be the most applicable standard due to its concentration on training and staff competence. However, this standard too must be supplemented with additional requirements to ensure that circumstances unique to forensics are being addressed. This presentation will evaluate the major disciplines and sub-disciplines of forensic science, the differences between forensic testing and forensic inspection (crime scene) and A2LA’s approach in accrediting these facilities.
Learning Objectives: Review the history of Forensic Accreditation in the US; Review the major disciplines and sub-disciplines of forensic testing and inspection; Review the application of ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020 to forensics; Review A2LA’s supplemental requirements.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
One Day
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
TE 13 - I have my PT report - Now what?- Cancelled
Georgia Harris, NIST
Abstract: This session will cover some essential steps for what actions should be taken after the laboratory obtains a final report on their proficiency tests (PT). The accreditation process requires participation in proficiency testing and many quality assurance practices include interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency testing. Yet, it's often observed that a laboratory will get their report back, check its completion off on a list, and file the report as evidence for some future internal audit or laboratory assessment. But, how can the laboratory truly use the results of interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency tests to assure the quality of measurement results and improve their measurement results? Come to this session and engage with others on best practices that are often used once the laboratory receives their PT report. NOTE: This session will approach the topic from an ISO/IEC 17025 perspective.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to: List key sections of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard that address proficiency testing and continual improvement; Identify helpful resources that can be used to identify improvement opportunities; Share best practices with others (in the room as well as back in their laboratory) on how to get the most out of participating in interlaboratory comparisons.