10 Things to Consider When Making a Purchase
If you’ve purchased instruments from a calibration equipment manufacturer, you know that the equipment is highly technical and can cost a pretty penny. Because of the investment, it’s wise to evaluate your equipment manufacturer to make sure you get the best return.
Before you buy, consider how a manufacturer performs in the following 10 criteria:
Quality
Good return on investment (ROI) and quality go hand in hand. Quality products are built from quality components designed to last a long time. The highest ROIs are often realized by investing in quality rather than the cheapest products.
Products
How comprehensive is the product offering? Does the manufacturer offer product configurations that meet your specific needs? What disciplines are supported? Perhaps you do pressure and temperature calibration today but want to expand into electrical, RF, humidity or other disciplines. It can be especially efficient to work with a single company with a comprehensive product offering that is supported by overarching automation software.
Innovation
Has the manufacturer demonstrated a commitment to ongoing innovation? If not, that manufacturer may not be in business in the future, jeopardizing your ongoing support.
Enduring
Speaking of ongoing support, does the manufacturer have staying power? Do they have the resources and financial backing to weather turbulent economic cycles? Will they be there for you in the future?
Customer
Is the manufacturer customer-obsessed? Do they continually seek customer feedback to solve customer problems and improve their products, service, and support?
Global
Do you serve international markets or hope to one day? You’ll want to work with a manufacturer who produces products that already comply with country-specific regulations.
Resources
What learning resources does the manufacturer offer? Do they offer product training? A broad range of paid and free training? Do they publish helpful application notes, host free webinars, sponsor user groups, maintain a knowledge base and demonstrate an interest in helping customers to be successful with their equipment?
History
How long has the company been in business and have they demonstrated continual growth over time? Does their history suggest they’ll be there for you in the future?
Integrity
What does the company do to ensure honest and principled behavior throughout their organization? Do they have an integrity and compliance program? Do they have formal standards of conduct? Are they committed to an environment where open, honest communications are the expectation, not the exception?
Community
What kind of citizen is the manufacturer? Do they demonstrate concern for their community? What is their vision statement? Are they striving to improve the world in meaningful ways? Do they participate in community service and contribute to worthy causes?