Industrial Automation Magazine India

There is a trend towards multi functional test and measuring instruments

Published on : Wednesday 03-07-2024

Darshana Thakkar, Founder, Transformation – The Strategy HUB.

What are the current trends and innovations in the test and measuring instruments industry?

Due to rapid technological advancement, the Test and measuring (T&M) instrument industry is on an exponential growth path and transformation. A few trends are transforming this industry sector drastically.

• Integration of IoT with the test and measuring instruments allows real-time data collection, remote monitoring, and improved connectivity.

• Intelligent Sensors with enhanced accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability provide precise measurements.

• AI and machine learning algorithms integrated into test and measuring instruments enhance data analysis, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection.

• Wireless test and measurement tools are becoming more prevalent, offering flexibility and ease of use in various environments, including remote and hazardous locations.

• The rollout of 5G technology is capable of handling higher frequencies, wider bandwidths, and increased data rates.

• Modern instruments feature user-friendly interfaces with touchscreens, graphical displays, and customisable dashboards.

• The eco-friendly design reduced power consumption and sustainable materials.

• There is a trend towards multi-functional test and measuring instruments that combine several measurement capabilities into a single device, offering cost savings and improved versatility.

How do regulations and standards influence the design and manufacture of test and measurement instruments?

Regulations and standards are critical in shaping test and measuring instruments' design and manufacturing processes.

Different parameters are taken into consideration for the design and manufacturing. Factors to be considered are application, industry sector, and surrounding environment.

1. Design Considerations

Accuracy and Precision: Appropriate selection of high-quality components and advanced engineering techniques helps in measurement accuracy and precision.

Safety: Compliance with safety standards and safety features such as proper insulation, grounding, and fail-safe mechanisms to protect users from electrical hazards.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Instruments must meet EMC standards such as IEC 61326 to prevent interference with other devices. Shielding, filtering, and grounding techniques are being used to minimise electromagnetic interference.

Environmental Considerations: The selection of materials and components to withstand specified ecological conditions, such as temperature, pressure, humidity, etc.

2. Manufacturing Processes

Material and Component Selection: Selection that meet safety and environmental standards (RoHS),

Calibration and Traceability:  Development of rigorous calibration procedures as per national and international standards.

Quality Management Systems (QMS): Establishment of standardised manufacturing processes, regular audits, and continuous improvement practices.

3. Testing and Validation: Testing and validation are crucial apart from design and manufacturing. Different types of testing, such as performance tests, safety testing, and calibration processes, are required.

How do manufacturers/designers ensure the accuracy and reliability of their instruments against growing environmental concerns?

• Manufacturers ensure accuracy and reliability through rigorous design, testing, calibration, quality control, and compliance with industry standards.

• Combining Precision Engineering, high-quality material selection, and advanced technologies such as digital signal processing, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and nanotechnology add to the design and development process.

• Developing prototypes and conducting extensive environmental and stress testing ensures the high quality of products.

• Initial Calibration and Routine Calibration, followed by appropriate traceability according to national or international standards (e.g., NIST, ISO) ensure consistency.

• Implementing QMS such as ISO 9001 to standardise processes adds to product quality control.

• Adhere to industry-specific standards and regulations (e.g., ISO, ANSI, IEC) that define accuracy, reliability, and safety requirements.

• Obtain certifications from recognised bodies (e.g., UL, CE, CSA) to demonstrate compliance with international standards.

What are the advantages of virtual instrumentation over traditional hardware-based systems; and how has digitalisation impacted the T&M scenario?

Virtual instrumentation offers significant advantages in flexibility, cost efficiency, integration, scalability, and advanced data processing capabilities.

A few key benefits are summarised as follows:

• Software-based configuration allows easy adaptation to different measurement and control needs.

• Cost efficiency is due to the reduced specialised hardware. General-purpose computers and standard interfaces often suffice.

• Software updates and maintenance are more cost-effective than servicing and calibrating multiple hardware components.

• Scalability is more due to the ease of upward or downward changes when adding or removing software modules.

• It has enhanced data processing and analysis due to real-time data processing, which performs real-time data analysis, signal processing, and visualisation.

• Virtual instrumentation systems can be accessed and controlled remotely via network connections, enabling centralised monitoring and diagnostics.

• Prototyping and Development are quick for new systems using virtual instruments.

• Enhanced accuracy and reliability due to digital precision and error reduction due to manual calibration.

How is data generated by test and measurement instruments managed and utilised?

Data management involves collection, storage, analysis, and application. Effective data management and utilisation ensure that the insights derived from the measurements are accurate, reliable, and actionable.

Effective management and utilisation of data generated by test and measurement instruments are crucial for deriving actionable insights and driving quality, efficiency, and innovation improvements. By implementing robust data management practices and leveraging advanced analytics, organisations can maximise the value of their measurement data and enhance their decision-making processes.

Data Collection Methods

• Instruments are equipped with sensors and interfaces to collect data automatically.

• Data is transmitted via wired (USB, Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) connections to data management systems.

• In some cases, data may be recorded manually by technicians and then entered into a database.

Data Storage

• Local data storage in the device's internal memory can also be stored on external devices such as USB drives or SD cards.

• Data uploaded to cloud storage systems allows remote access and scalable storage solutions.

• Data stored in standardised formats (e.g., CSV, JSON, XML)ensure compatibility and ease of analysis.

Data Analysis

• Different types of data analysis used, considering the data format and requirements.

• Statistical analysis includes descriptive data analysis with the help of summary, ratio, mean value, etc.

• Data Visualisation with the help of Graphs and Charts

• Interactive dashboards for real-time data monitoring and analysis.

Advanced Analytics

• Machine Learning: Apply algorithms to detect patterns and to make predictions.

• Big Data Analytics: Processing and analysing large volumes of data using frameworks like Hadoop and Spark.

Data Utilisation

Patterns in data collection and analysis are essential for decision-making. Decisions based on data analysis help reduce costs, improve productivity, reduce plant breaks, and improve customer satisfaction. Ultimately, it enhances the Return on investment in the plant. There are a few areas where decisions based on data analysis are advantageous.

• Quality Control and Assurance

• Product Development and innovation

• Predictive Maintenance

• Strategic Planning, and

• Reporting and Compliance.

How can aspiring engineers and technologists prepare for a career in test and measurement?

Preparing for a career in test and measurement as an aspiring engineer or technologist involves developing a solid foundation in relevant technical skills, gaining practical experience, and staying updated with industry trends and standards.

In our education system, the curriculum changes after a few years. However, in recent times, technological advances have become so fast that until students pass their engineering degrees and enter the industry, new technology and trends are available in the industry application.

So, staying tuned with the latest industrial advancements is crucial. To cope with this, universities are making industrial internships mandatory for engineering students. But most students take it as a burden and do it virtually or get a certificate. They should make active efforts to learn current advancements in their respective area.

Apart from the internship, learning from industry people, reading industrial magazines, and networking with industry people in various business forms provide continuous learning opportunities. Students must explore all the areas instead of sticking to their university curriculum.

(The views expressed in interviews are personal, not necessarily of the organisations represented.)

Darshana Thakkar is an MSME Transformation specialist and Founder of Transformation – The Strategy HUB. With an Electrical engineering and MBA in business operations background, she has 28 years of hardcore industrial experience in transforming Small businesses. She helps MSMEs define growth paths, derive marketing strategies, improve business operations, adopt digital Transformation, and increase profitability.Darshana Thakkar is an author,speaker, and TV panelist. Her achievements, journey, and interviews have been featured in several newspapers, Premium business magazines, and TV.

She has won several regional, national, and international awards and is famous as an MSME activist and women's business leader. Her consulting venture, Transformation, was listed among the most trusted consulting companies in 2022 and among the top 50 consulting companies for MSME in 2023. She holds a few honorary positions in industry associations.

Major achievements:

·         Winner of Global Women Leader -2023 by Global Women Leadership Award

·         MSME Honor award-2022 -Champion of Cause by Tally Solutions

·         Winner of Gujarat Women's Leader Award – 2021

She is associated with a few other premier institutes as

·         Certified Women Director & Independent Director by IICA, MCA, GoI.

·         Member of the Board of Management at Makarpura GIDC Industrial Estate Cooperative Bank Ltd.

·         National President: WICCI-Entrepreneurship Development Council

·         Trainer, Startup mentor, & Jury member at CED, Government of Gujarat.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshanamthakkar/

[email protected]

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