In the business of metrology services, a critical part of the process is setting expectations with customers and their management teams. Setting the stage for any measurement or inspection job requires clear communication so that both parties understand what they will receive in return for services rendered. Customers should be briefed and in some cases provided with documentation on what they can expect as a result of measurements being taken on an article of interest, such as an automobile part or an aircraft component.

Often, a metrology services job will entail comparing measurement data to the nominal shape of a part or to the stated dimensions on an engineering drawing. Sometimes, measurement data is gathered for use in the reverse engineering process. But most important, the measurement data will always, always, always represent the truth about the artifact of interest. Measurements may be misinterpreted, but ultimately, the truth lies in the data.

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