Lubricant analysis is a critical component of predictive maintenance, yet selecting the appropriate lab can be a complex task. Following are 6 areas to consider as you decide on the best lab for your organization.
1. Quality
Quality is paramount when selecting a lab, since the accuracy of analysis can directly impact the health and operation of machinery. Aspects to consider include:
- Quality Assurance Program: Ensure the lab has a robust quality assurance program that meets or exceeds industry standards, such as ISO 17025.
- Experience and Accreditation: The lab’s experience and accreditation are crucial indicators of its reliability and capability.
- Testing Validation Procedures: The lab should verify results to ensure accuracy and consistency.
2. Turnaround Time
Turnaround time is a critical factor in selecting a lab. Delays in receiving lubricant analysis results can lead to significant operational disruptions. Key points include:
- Sample Receiving Procedures: The lab should offer efficient sample receiving methods, ensuring minimal delays from sample submission to analysis.
- Sample Processing Procedures: A good lab will have processes in place to ensure that routine test results are delivered within 24 hours of sample receipt.
3. Cost
Cost considerations extend beyond the price of services to include the value provided. Three considerations include:
- Package Flexibility: The lab should offer customizable test packages that fit the specific needs of your equipment and lubricants.
- Included Services: Additional services, such as Analytical Ferrography and Karl Fischer Water Content testing, should be included at no extra charge when certain conditions are met.
- Additional Offerings: The lab should provide free sampling supplies and access to a web-based service portal for easy management of reports and data.
4. Customer Service
The right lab will prioritize customer satisfaction, offering personalized service and proactive support. Factors for consideration include:
- Operator Status and Inquiry Resolution Rate: Customers should have access to live operators and there should be a high rate of first-call inquiry resolution.
- Personalization and Customer Care: The lab should work closely with customers to tailor the analysis program, ensuring it meets the customer’s specific needs.
5. Educational Opportunities
Education is vital for maintaining an effective lubricant analysis program. Ongoing education and training are important. Factors to consider include:
- Access to Educational Resources: The lab should provide a variety of educational materials, including webinars, eBooks, and an active blog.
- Training and Certification Prep Options: The lab should offer both educational resources and certification training to enhance the skills of personnel involved in lubricant analysis.
6. Field Support
Field support is essential for implementing and maintaining a successful oil analysis program. Expert guidance, in particular is crucial. Important aspects include:
- Program Auditing Options: The lab should offer on-site audits and consultations to help optimize the analysis program.
- Program Serviceability: Some labs offer full-service programs; their team handles everything including program set-up, program management, sample collection, and analysis that yields detailed reports and recommendations.
The above is a quick guide for companies looking to select a fluid analysis laboratory. It points to the importance of quality, timely results, cost-effectiveness, customer service, education, and field support for making the best choice. The Eurofins TestOil ebook “Illuminate,” a comprehensive guide to choosing a lab, along with a checklist of considerations, is available at: https://testoil.com/knowledge-center/reference-guides/.
For more information on working with Eurofins TestOil for oil analysis and training visit www.testoil.com. Contact: 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com.
About Eurofins TestOil
With more than 30 years of experience in the oil analysis industry, Eurofins TestOil focuses exclusively on assisting industrial facilities with reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unexpected downtime through oil and fuel analysis program implementation. As industry experts in diagnosing oil-related issues in equipment such as turbines, hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, compressors and diesel generators, Eurofins TestOil provides customers with same-day turnaround on routine oil analysis testing. For more information on partnering with Eurofins TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities visit https://testoil.com. Contact: Al Yates 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com.
About Eurofins – the global leader in bio-analysis
Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and agroscience Contract Research services. Eurofins is also a market leader in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as in BioPharma Contract Development and Manufacturing. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
With over 61,000 staff across a network of 940 laboratories in 59 countries, Eurofins’ companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods. Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.
