|
SME manufacturer (Type 1) |
Large manufacturer (Type 2) |
Affliate (manufacturing support organisation (Type 3)) |
25% discount on NPL North of England commercial services |
Y |
|
|
Annual artefact check |
Y |
|
|
Temperature survey |
Y |
|
|
Access to our events |
Y |
Y |
Y
|
Telephone support |
Y |
|
|
Product Verification assessment (PV) |
Additional cost |
Additional cost |
|
Training Needs Analysis (TNA) |
Additional cost |
Additional cost |
|
Cost |
Free |
Free |
£120 per calendar year |
25% discount on NPL North of England commercial services
NPL provides a wide variety of measurement and other support services including:
- Measurement services (CMM or manual)
- Reverse engineering
- CMM programming
- Bespoke training
- Access to NPL equipment (supervised)
- Technology evaluation
- Problem solving
- Consultancy
- Research & Development

Where NPL provides a quotation for Commercial Services to Members, the quotation will include a 25% discount on its prevailing hourly rate for such services at the time of quotation.
Annual artefact check
NPL uses calibrated artefacts to validate its measurement performance, providing a suitable artefact to be measured using the member’s usual procedures and equipment and then analysing the member’s data and providing feedback on the quality of the measurement process. This is designed to help members understand how well the current product validation processes are performing and to correct any issues that may be highlighted.
Temperature survey
Temperature variations have a significant effect on the accuracy of measurements and affect the validity of the inspection process. Better temperature control can result in higher accuracy measurement and improved confidence in the product. Understanding the effect of temperature in your environment will give members awareness of how this affects or constrains manufacturing processes. It also allows members to model how better control may lead to new opportunities.
Access to NPL Manufacturer Measurement Network events
NPL hosts quarterly events aimed at keeping members up to speed with latest measurement best practice and technology, and a platform to discuss measurement issues and opportunities. Instrument manufacturers and guest speakers will be invited to share with members the latest information and ideas on SME manufacturing.
Telephone support
Applicable Members will have access to an NPL helpline for advice throughout the term of the contract. The frequency of calls is expected to be of a level which does not constitute a consultancy service or other support measure – such level to be determined by NPL in its sole discretion.
Product Verification (PV) assessment (optional extra)
A PV assessment can help members identify areas to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, raise product quality, demonstrate compliance and make the business more competitive. The process includes a visit by NPL measurement experts assessing manufacturing activities, and the output of the assessment is a report highlighting potential areas of improvement. A quotation for this service will be provided on request.
Training Needs Analysis (TNA) (optional extra)
TNA is a method by which NPL can help members determine what skills the business needs to meet technical (product verification related) demands and compare these to current staff skills. The outcome is a gap analysis identifying what training is required and advice on how it may be obtained. A quotation for this service will be provided on request.