The condition and readings of an instrument when it arrives for calibration, recorded before anyone touches an adjustment. As-found data shows how the instrument performed during its last period of use, so it decides whether an OOT impact assessment is needed and feeds calibration interval analysis. Skipping it and going straight to adjustment destroys evidence that cannot be recreated.
Get the as-found readings first, then adjust, I need to know whether it was in tolerance while it was on the line.
Also heard as
- as-found data
- as received
Do not mix it up with
- As left: As-left data is recorded after adjustment and shows the condition the instrument goes back into service in.
Related terms
As left
Calibration data recorded after adjustment or repair, showing the condition the instrument returns to service in.
OOT
Out of tolerance, an as-found calibration result outside the instrument's allowed limits.
Adjustment
Changing an instrument so its readings move closer to the correct values, a step separate from calibration.
Calibration interval
The scheduled time between calibrations of an instrument, set to keep the chance of drifting out of tolerance low.
Cal with data
A calibration ordered with full measured readings and uncertainties on the certificate, not just a pass or fail.