Measurement notes
Short technical notes on sensing, environmental monitoring, encoder feedback, calibration evidence, and application-driven instrument selection.
A quality manager's perspective on why TCO, not unit price, should drive sensor selection for industrial automation, with real examples from my four years of reviewing specifications.
Jane SmithA quality inspector argues that treating precision instruments like 'sick thermometers' or generic DMMs as interchangeable commodities is a costly mistake. Here's why pre-testing verification saves more than it costs.
Jane SmithA procurement manager's honest comparison of SICK absolute encoders and alternative options, including total cost of ownership analysis, practical maintenance insights, and a note on using Fluke meters for verification. Based on real purchasing decisions and years of vendor management.
Jane SmithReal-world answers to common questions about SICK encoders, industrial thermometers, pH calibration, multimeter voltage testing, and reading Sensus water meters — with lessons learned from costly mistakes.
Jane SmithA contrarian view from a seasoned procurement manager: when selecting precision measurement tools like SICK DGS35 encoders, Starrett vs Mitutoyo calipers, or Vantage laser trackers, the real cost isn't the price tag—it's the hidden fit. Here's what three years of tracking $180,000 in measurement tool spend taught me.
Jane SmithA procurement manager's honest take on industrial sensor and equipment purchases. Why I now prioritize total cost over upfront price for SICK encoders, Fluke meters, and more.
Jane SmithA personal, practical breakdown of what you actually get for the price of a SICK encoder. I share the costly mistakes I made comparing encoder brands and the checklist I now use to avoid the same pitfalls. This guide helps engineers and buyers evaluate if SICK's premium pricing is justified for their specific application.
Jane SmithA story on SICK sensors, reliability, and how rushing can lead to costly mistakes. Including insights on AFM60A encoders, multimeters, and thermal imaging.
Jane SmithA procurement manager shares a TCO-based framework for choosing sensors, measuring tools, and lab consumables, covering SICK ATM60 encoder, photoelectric sensor, absolute digimatic caliper, bench scales, and HPLC column change intervals.
Jane SmithA field guide to SICK encoders, laser sensors, and IR thermometers — written by someone who learned the hard way.
Jane Smith