Function Check vs. Calibration

As part of your Quality Manual and inspection, Keystone may ask you and your team to provide information related to calibration and function checks. While both relate to ensuring equipment performs correctly, each serves a distinct purpose.

Function Check — a quick, qualitative verification that a device is operating as expected at a basic level. Used to confirm operational integrity and readiness. It verifies that the device turns on, responds to input, and produces an expected output. It confirms that the tool is functioning.

Output: it either passes or fails. How often is up to the company—before each use, after minor maintenance or component replacement, as a routine daily or shift check, and/or after an initial setup.

Calibration — comparing the measurements of an instrument or device to a known standard (example: gauge block) and adjustments being made to bring the device into acceptable tolerance. This is done to ensure the accuracy and precision of a device's measurements—the metrological performance. Calibration of your instrument/device needs to be conducted by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory.

Output: a report or certificate of calibration indicating the device's accuracy and its compliance with specific tolerances. How often is up to the company—at scheduled intervals (annually, semi-annually, etc.), after major repairs, after the device has experienced an event that might compromise its accuracy (it is dropped, etc.), and/or before critical measurements where accuracy is needed.

We hope you found this information helpful. If you have further questions, please contact your Keystone Certifications representative.