Procurement Control
Use of reference materials

The company should retain control over its procurement. The lowest-cost option is not necessarily the most cost-effective, particularly when purchases have a direct impact on the reliability of measurement results.

The NF X 07-010 standard already emphasised the need to involve those responsible for managing measurement equipment in purchasing decisions in order to achieve the best value for money. This approach remains fully valid within the current regulatory framework.

It is also advisable to consider appropriate technical training for procurement staff whenever purchases involve measurement equipment, calibration services, or reference materials. A procurement decision made without an understanding of metrological considerations can have significant consequences for the validity of the results produced.

The ISO/IEC 17025 standard requires laboratories to have procurement...