Communication and open dialog between an oil analysis user and the laboratory can make or break a fluid analysis program.
An analyst looking at the data is interpreting the information based on a number of factors, and frequently oil samples and the requisite paperwork passes through several hands to make it from the component to the lab. This, in itself, makes it difficult to capture data pertinent to how the equipment is running “right now.” A short email or phone call can easily turn a sample report and turn into a tool that can really save money.
A customer’s part in this can be as simple as making sure contact information is up to date. All too frequently personnel changes do not get passed on to the laboratory preventing an analyst from contacting the right person when they have a question about something unusual they are seeing in an analysis.
On the other side of this equation, knowing what to do when you have a report that is showing something concerning is also important. Be sure you have the report information available when you contact your laboratory so that an analyst can access your information and help you as quickly as possible.
The ultimate goal for both user and laboratory is for the user to get the most for the money they spend on oil analysis. Opening the lines of communication and making sure those lines are available when problems come up will ensure the fullest return on the investment you make in a reliability program.