Survey shows rising workloads in T&M industry
Article By : Majeed Ahmad
Calibration professionals are experiencing dramatically increasing workloads amid a major shift in the test and measurement industry.
The test and measurement industry is undergoing a major shift due to the increased use of automation and new devices, among other things, so calibration professionals are now experiencing dramatically increasing workloads. A new survey identifies the challenges calibration professionals face today, how they are coping with them, and what they think the future challenges will be.
Fluke Calibration conducted this survey of calibration professionals, most of whom perform more than 750 calibrations annually. The survey revealed that 54% are getting by with fewer resources while their workloads have increased. Most calibration professionals also claim that they are trying to meet the demand for more calibrations with fewer skilled technicians.
One stark finding: 49% of calibration professionals say they will either retire in the next five years or change professions.
Next, 52% of respondents said that better performance was one of the most challenging aspects of calibration work today. That’s followed by the need to calibrate faster (48%) and concern about using outdated equipment (47%).
On a positive note, the survey found that many calibration labs and service providers are investing more in training to bridge the skills gap. These calibration outfits are also relying more on automation software to speed calibrations and ensure consistent processes.
According to Bill Gaviria, product program manager for electrical/RF at Fluke Calibration, the survey’s findings are consistent with what the company has been hearing from engineers.
