Testing or measurement technology has been around for millennia, essentially from the very first instance that a set of scales were used for weighing purposes. Since then it has developed greatly, with a huge period of rapid growth in the 20th century thanks to the evolution of electric and electronic testing equipment.
Nowadays test tech is incredibly important for researchers, experimenters and manufacturers working in a range of disciplines and it is continuing to make improvements on a regular basis.
Calibration Services
There are a wide range of calibration requirements in all areas of technology, during the development process to making sure the finished article is up to scratch. Modern quality systems require a complete chain of traceability for the measuring of instruments, which is what many calibration services aim to achieve.
This is done through the development of new methods of measurement, from fundamental principles, and the participation in international comparison measurements.
From national standards and references to measurements this should provide an unbroken traceability chain. Constant testing, training and evaluation mean that the calibration services available continue to improve.
Predicting Mechanical Failure
Test tech is developing to the point that rather than just assessing the current state of machinery and systems, it can predict its future. There’s nothing worse for a business that relies on a certain piece of technology than for it to breakdown out of the blue, resulting in delays, missed opportunities and potentially lost business.
That’s why the likes of computerised maintenance management systems have been created. These testing products aim to optimise the performance of both humans and machines, improving the quality of business decisions thanks to their testing capabilities.
The insight they can provide into the status of technology allows repairs to be made before a breakdown, reducing the chance of a breakdown, response times and administration levels.
AI Testing
It’s hard to talk about anything technological these days without mentioning artificial intelligence (AI). From the ways AI could change software testing to automating many other processes that test tech undertakes, there’s plenty of opportunity for further development.
As the tools that professionals use in many industries change as well, AI testing could be more appropriate. Plus, it will reduce the amount of labour required and enable testing technology companies to streamline their own processes. How far AI testing can go will depend on how much technology itself continues to develop.
Test tech continues to improve and should make more products, machinery and processes a lot better in the future.
