Quametec™ Metrology Software
Quametec™ began as a technical consulting and assistance provider for laboratories needing to become accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. We quickly identified the need for software tools to deal with the statistical measurement quality tasks needed to comply with the standard. Unfortunately, the measurement uncertainty calculation tools available at the time, were either very expensive or were not efficient in practical application, or both. And none facilitated the calculation of measurement uncertainty across a measurement range, which was clearly the logical approach for dealing with devices having linear sloping specifications!
Measurement uncertainty analysis and metrology quality management have been our specialties since Quametec began in metrology consulting in 1998. With these areas being where the greatest need was for cost effective, practical, software tools, we accepted the challenge; Quametec was expanding into the software business.
Our Excel® based Software Products
Needing both a validated math engine and a platform that is well supported, along with the ability to incorporate custom design, we choose the obvious, Microsoft® Excel®. Excel® provides a well established validated math platform with a Visual Basic for Applications programming feature that allows for customization of specialized tasks, such as custom entry forms and automation. While we were advised that this was not a good business idea, because it would be difficult to protect our code, it was definitely the right choice for our clients as most already use Microsoft® Excel® on a daily basis.With James being a big fan of GNU projects; he could appreciate the concept of 'user control' and had no use for the traditional vaulting of code. James wanted the user to have the power to "look behind the curtain", with respect to how our software is doing calculations and be able to interface our software into their management systems or databases with ease.
When it comes to metrology software, most commercial tools are created and supported by small companies like us. This was pointed out by one of our larger clients many years ago as being the reason they did not go with a software program we recommended at the time. They asked us "what would happen if that little company went out of business?" They were worried that if the developer disappeared they could run into a very costly problem when they needed to migrate to new versions of Windows®. As a solution to prevent this very real concern from ever being an issue for our software clients, we decided to give all our software products two unique features:
- VIEWABLE FORMULAS and USER CUSTOMIZATION FEATURES: All math calculations in all of our software products are protected, yet most are viewable by the users and editable by the advanced user, providing they have access to the password. There is no reason to edit our work, but it is always nice to have that option. Being able to 'look behind the curtain', makes for easy validation of the software. Here are a couple of examples of how this freedom of use has worked for our users:
- AUDITABLE: Our UncertaintyToobox™ users in the space program probably enjoy not having to trust us to get the math right, even though it always has been correct. But, I am sure they enjoy the ability to evaluate all the math and functions at will, as do all of our software users.
- CUSTOMIZABLE: Measurement Canada used the customization feature of UncertaintyToobox™ to cleverly create their own input/output template that interfaces with our product templates for specific legal metrology measurement uncertainty calculations. With a little help from us, they hid the worksheet templates, where all the magic happens, from the user to prevent tampering and/or confusion, leaving only their designed input/output sheet visible. The result is a simple user friendly tool for a complex mathematical process, allowing the end user to enter data they are familiar with, and get the resulting measurement uncertainty value from the preloaded model within the UncertaintyToolbox™ templates, of which the end user may not even know exists.
- TOTAL USER CONTROL OPTION: To give our clients total 'user control' over these important tools, they are given the option to acquire the particular VBA project password with the authority to access and modify the VBA code or any other part of the software, as desired.
- This type of unique access is provided at no additional cost with some of our products, while others have a reasonable fee.
- With our specialty being uncertainty analysis, we wanted our software users to be certain how the numbers are crunched. This may explain why many organizations working on the US space program, forensic science and in legal metrology chose UncertaintyToolbox™ for their measurement uncertainty calculation needs.
- Code access and use is limited only by an agreement that you will NOT use our code to create a competing product.
Another example of our necessary uniqueness; our "UncertaintyToolbox™" software is still the only calculator that computes uncertainty across a range of measurement, rather than just at a single measurement point!
That makes our tool, the only tool with this unique and necessary feature for dealing efficiently with real world measurements! When it comes to metrology software solutions; Quametec provides you the practical choice!
If you like the idea of using professional metrology tools without all the supplier protections that limit the usability of the tool, you will appreciate the Quametec software product line. If you are already an Excel® user, then you should appreciate the idea of using this favored tool of national metrology institutes and financial institutions around the world as the platform for our tools. No math engine is perfect, but Excel® is clearly the most validated and therefore, the most preferred math engine on earth. Quametec has incorporated fixes for all known issues surrounding our use of Excel functions.
If you have never seen one of our products before, you will be surprised at the level of integration our tools have within Microsoft® Excel®.
WORLD CLASS ONLINE SOFTWARE SUPPORT
The support our users receive is second to none. For example, our UncertaintyToobox™ users have access to free real world uncertainty analysis examples, plus, we are currently building a database of uncertainty estimate samples which will be freely available for all our UncertaintyToolbox™ users soon.
If any of our users have problems getting any of our software to work correctly, we provide free technical assistance via the telephone and/or the Citrix 'GoToAssist' service, which facilitates a connection to their computer desktop where we can provide direct assistance, supervised under user control.
PRICED SO LOW YOU MAY THINK WE ARE KIDDING 
When compared to our competitors, our products have unique features making them the practical choice, yet most 'competing' products cost more than ours; some significantly more. Although, we like to think our product offerings are so unique, considering our open code policy, that we really don't have competitors. So, we focus on trying to outdo ourselves!
If you are familiar with our products, then you are already familiar with how we just keep making them better and better. Although, we can't take all the credit; our close relationship with our clients yields great ideas for our software product continual improvement program.
Automation of complex math for the metrologist?
We are just getting started!
Please check out the subsequent pages of this multi-tab window for more information on our software products.
© 2009 Quametec Corporation
UncertaintyToolbox™
CLICK ON PICTURE TO SEE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION OF THE SOFTWARE
(Video is of an older version, newer version contains more features.)
UncertaintyToolbox™ is an add-in program for use with Microsoft® Excel®. It uses a Custom User Interface System and Professional Templates that work within Microsoft® Excel® to facilitate the calculation of measurement uncertainty in accordance with the ISO GUM (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement) as referenced by ISO/IEC17025. This software tool has become the favorite of USA accreditation assessors and accredited laboratories alike. After encountering users of our software in the field, numerous assessors from numerous accreditation bodies have made it a point to contact us and compliment us on our software and the apparent quality of our training, as it made their job much easier.
Rather than try to impress potential buyers with tons of confusing statistical terms, we rely on the increasing referrals from ISO17025 consultants and accredited laboratories. We believe satisfied clients carry more credibility than fancy advertisements and confusing and/or misleading comparison charts. Before you select an uncertainty analysis software solution check out referrals first. The real question is not who purchased it, but are they still using it? Prior to purchasing UncertaintyToolbox™, many labs had purchased competing software of which they were unhappy with once they tried to use it to meet the ISO17025 accreditation requirements.
UncertaintyToolbox™ is one of many products developed by James D Jenkins; the President of Quametec and a recognized trainer of assessors and laboratory personnel world-wide in the practical application of the ISO GUM Method in meeting the measurement uncertainty analysis requirements per ISO/IEC17025 and ANSI/NCSL Z-540.3.
Designed to meet ISO 17025 accreditation requirements…
Why uncertainties should be calculated in Microsoft® Excel® …
When using "black box" type commercial analysis software where all the working formulas are buried within the 'secret' code, the risk of undiscovered mathematical imperfections increases due to it's limited use in this small market. Resulting in validation concerns and risk of seriously flawed calculation results. It is for this reason, that we believe that uncertainty estimates should be calculated in Microsoft® Excel® with all relevant formulas exposed.
Facilitates learning ISO GUM Method concepts…
Widely used and referenced…
1st Class Customer support…
More Power than you will ever need …
UncertaintyToolbox™ has been designed to be able to compute the measurement uncertainty for any measurement process in known existence. Should we find that this software is unable to compute a measurement process due to any limitation in the design of the software, we will initiate corrective action immediately.
UncertaintyToolbox™ software use is flexible…
Can Be Easily and Confidently Validated…
Accepted for use by the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation community…
No assessor or accrediting body has even rejected our software, rather, Quametec continually receives compliments pertaining to our software and training by numerous consultants, who also happen to work as laboratory accreditation assessors here in the USA.NOTICE: Although, this does not mean that every analysis performed in our software is acceptable. Each analysis must adequately and appropriately address the uncertainty contributors that significantly affect the measurement result. This is why we stress the importance of TRAINING! Users will need training in the ISO GUM Method and have adequate knowledge of the physics surrounding the measurement process to be analysed. UncertaintyToolbox™ is a general purpose measurement uncertainty calculator. Unlike our UncertaintyNOW!™ products that do not require user training, this software requires training to use it correctly. Quametec provides videos, public classes, online classes, on-site classes and webinars to assist the those with varying needs in learning how to use this tool successfully.
Pricing for UncertaintyToolbox™
All Costs are in US Dollars:
| Number of Users | Software Download | Software on CD | CD plus Handbook | * Software Upgrade Fee |
| 1 user | $ 695 per user | $ 725 per user | $ 775 per user | $ 495 *per user |
| 2 or more | $ 650 per user | $ 675 per user | $ 725 per user | $ 495 *per user |
All User licenses come with one year FREE "Upgrade Protection" that includes free software updates and upgrades to any newer version released during that period, plus a access to the online "UncertaintyToolbox™ User Group".
The "Upgrade Protection" service is optionally available on a continuing basis at a cost of $150 per license per year. Software updates addressing fixes are always provided free. Upgrades and updates are made available as a download from this website in the "UncertaintyToolbox™ Users Group" section. We update the software frequently as we continue to improve the functionality of the software for even greater efficiency of use and occasionally we upgrade the software providing our users with new time saving features.
After your FREE year of the "Upgrade Protection" program expires, you will be contacted by QUAMETEC and notified with an option to renew your "Upgrade Protection" subscription which will provide you with continued upgrades to new versions as they occur without any additional charge.
NOTICE: Prices do NOT include Microsoft® Excel®. Uncertainty Toolbox™ software requires Excel® 2000, 2002, 2003, or 2007. Works in English and has recently been updated to work is other language versions of Excel® (Tested in French and English).
*Prices do NOT include shipping and handling charges, where applicable. S&H Charges do NOT apply to downloaded software. Orders placed from Michigan will have a 6% sales tax added.
Download software is the same software as that shipped on the CD.
Purchasing UncertaintyToolbox™
To purchase software license(s), order software on CD, or the software on CD with the "Measurement Uncertainty Analysis Fundamentals" Handbook; Call 1-810-225-8588 9am to 4pm EDT.
We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Checks or Purchase Orders.
Once you order has been processed you will receive a license number and an access code that will get you into the "UncertaintyToolbox™ Use Group" found on this site. You will need to create your free user account for using this website, then use the access code to get into the user group. There you can download the software by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page, you will need your license number from QUAMETEC to install the software.
Software and membership into the user group is transferable to any other employee at your company, upon request at no charge. Software comes with a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee!© 2009 Quametec Corporation
CAPA+™ for ISO17025
SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY!
ISO/IEC17025 compliance just got easier with CAPA+™!
To meet the requirements of ISO/IEC17025 accreditation, a laboratory must deal with the requirements of performing and documenting Corrective Actions, Preventive Actions, Customer Complaints, and Non-Conforming Work Investigations. The typical laboratory rarely encounters the need to deal with these types of events more than a half dozen times each year. As a result of this infrequent need of application, associated procedures and forms are typically less than desired in terms of design, function, ease and understanding of proper use.
Today, we often find accredited laboratories receiving deficiencies pertaining to a poorly defined policy and procedure for dealing with non-conforming work investigations and determinations of customer impact. We even find some laboratories having their corrective action reports rejected due to key elements, such as root cause analysis results, missing or incomplete.
Confusing forms, procedures with lack of detail and the infrequent need of use can all add up to an unnecessary waste of time and resources, plus the frustration does not make for happy employees.
Quametec, with over 10 years experience developing laboratory management systems in compliance with ISO/IEC17025 has created a unique approach to dealing with these various events that occur which require investigation, evaluation, resolution and, of course, proper documentation.
What is CAPA+™?
CAPA+™ is a unique Auto-Expanding, Multi-Form, Auto-Logging System built in Microsoft® Excel® using VBA. It was developed for use in documenting and logging Corrective Actions, Preventive Actions, Customer Complaints, and Non-Conforming Work Investigations without the typical use of multiple forms with redundant entries. It is packaged as a single, auto-install type, downloadable executable program.
CAPA+™ includes:
- Control Center: Auto-log and Dashboard System in a Microsoft® Excel® Workbook.
- Master Multi-Form: Auto-Expanding, Auto-Logging Multi-Form used to document "Events". (Copies are created by the System, as needed.)
- User Instructions with Implementation Procedure: Twenty-two (22) page, ISO type user procedure in an editable Microsoft® Word® format with guidance for easy implementation in your management system.
- Desktop Icon: Installed on the desktop for easy access to the CAPA+™ System.
- Free Support: Support is provided with via a online user & support group non-expiring membership.
- Training Videos: Three basic training videos are included for use in quickly training your staff. In fact, we thought you may want to see these before you purchase, so we have included them below.
Basic Training Video's Included (click below to watch, visual - no sound)
Requirements:
Any operating system running Microsoft® Excel® and Word®.
(Any version from 2000 to 2007)
Capability:
CAPA+™ can deal with up to 2000 events in a logbook. Logbooks can be archived at will, and a new logbook initiated. Each “Event” consists of one or more of the following: Corrective Action, Preventive Action, Customer Complaint, and/or Non-Conforming Laboratory Work Investigation, as needed.
Form entries contain references to prescriptive requirements found in ISO/IEC17025:2005, this allows for direct assessment of the requirements by the user.
Detailed user instruction and system implementation procedure is provided in a customizable, Microsoft® Word® format for inclusion into the laboratory ISO/IEC17025 management system. Sections are highlighted in yellow as indication of entries that a user must edit before incorporating into their management system.
The multi-form includes auto-validation with respect to required entries. Users are guided with prompts when they fail to complete the required entries.
Free Support:
CAPA+™ is being supported 24/7 at our online institute via the "CAPA+™ Software User Group" or you can always call Quametec directly; EDT M-F 9 am to 4 pm at 1-810-225-8588. The software comes with full support via a non-expiring membership in the online user group, where you will find the latest downloadable version, a help forum moderated by the CAPA+™ developer, along with direct contact and feedback information.
Free Updates:
Updates are free to all licensed users via their non-expiring online user group membership.
Pricing:
All prices are in US Dollars.
Software is delivered via download
in the 'CAPA+ User Group' area.Single Site Use License:
Unlimited Users$425 USD
$1,995 USD
Professional Editor Option:
Add to selected License Fee$500 USD
Single Site Use License: Allows unlimited software use as part of a single management system of a single site location.
Company Use License: Allows unlimited software use by a single named organization with multiple management systems at multiple site locations.
Professional Editor Option; Adds full VBA code access and permission to modify the program VBA code as desired for functional changes or interfacing with other programs. Use of project code is permitted by the user with this license in other software projects, providing they are not marketed and/or sold as a product which competes with products sold by the Quametec Corporation.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: We know from experience that this system will save you time and money in your ongoing effort to maintain compliance with laboratory accreditation requirements. However, if you are not 100% satisfied with this software, you can return it for any reason within 30 days and we will refund the purchase price.
How to Purchase
Call Quametec at 1-810-225-8588 EDT M-F (9 am to 4 pm).
We accept Company Checks or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express).
Upon receipt of payment, Quametec will provide you with download, support, and installation instructions.
© 2009 Quametec Corporation
The UncertaintyNOW!™ Product Line
The Future in Measurement Uncertainty Analysis Solutions is here NOW!
For years the industry has struggled to learn the fine art of measurement uncertainty analysis using spreadsheets and various commercial general purpose uncertainty calculators. We have been one of the leaders in that effort. Quametec, one of the main providers of these "General Purpose", "One Size Fits All" uncertainty calculators ("UncertaintyToolbox™"), recognizes that these calculators, someday, will only be used for non-standard measurement method evaluation and uncommon measurements in general. What will replace these general purpose tools?
The Method of Yesterday("UncertaintyToolbox™")
General Purpose Manual Uncertainty Calculation Tools
- Requires Specialized Complex Training.
- Requires lots of High Cost Technical Labor.
- Manually calculated estimates, manually managed.
- COST: Training and Lots of High Cost Labor = $ OUCH! $$
Today's State-of-the-Art Method("UncertaintyNOW!™")
Specialized Modular Automated Uncertainty Estimation Tools
Finally, a fully automated measurement uncertainty analysis system that provides estimates on demand with NO special training required! The user does NOT even need to know what an "uncertainty budget" looks like!
- No specialized training required!
- Designed to require ONLY minimal user input.
- Automatic Uncertainty Estimates ON DEMAND! Automatically managed!
- COST: NO Training or extensive High Cost Labor!
Does this mean we can retire the "General Purpose" uncertainty software tools? Well, unfortunately...not just yet!
The good news is that we have finally released our first "UncertaintyNOW!™" module after many years of work!
Although, this is only one module, countless modules will need to be developed to address the 10's of thousands of different measurements that humans perform commercially. This is ONLY the beginning!
In order to meet our defined objectives, these software tools must be specialized and modular. To provide this level of automation, each tool must be designed to handle a specific measurement model. Meaning that for EACH of the countless different measurement processes in use around the world, EACH must be programmed into a tool.
So where did Quametec start in this immense project?
We chose an area of uncertainty analysis that has been a thorn in the side of the calibration laboratory accreditation industry, "MULTI-FUNCTION CALIBRATORS"!
Our selected device is the Fluke 5520A Multi-function Calibrator! This will be followed by the Fluke 5500A and the Fluke 5700A Calibrators and include Oscilloscope Options.
If you own one of these industry standard multi-meter and more calibrators, this is your lucky day!
Watch our video presentation below to find out why this area of measurement was chosen and to see our solution to the problem via an "UncertaintyNOW!™" specialized modular tool system.
(Speakers are NOT required for these video presentations)
Metrology Freeware
It is FREE to enroll into the "Freeware User Group".
If you do not have a QIMTonline User Account, it too is free. Click on the Login link at top and bottom of this page and follow the on-screen instructions for setting up your FREE user account. All you need is a valid email address, which is only used by Quametec and is not sold or given to any third parties, as permitted by law. (Read the site Privacy Policy for detailed information.
And best of all, we even provide some free support for the freeware in the "Freeware User Group"!
Developer Contact Information
10612 LaFollette Dr
Brighton, MI 48114
James D Jenkins
Quametec Software Development
All Quametec software is designed by James D Jenkins; President of Quametec and Administrator of QIMT. James is unique in that he is a programmer and a well known metrology consultant with over 25 years experience in metrology.