"I just do not seem to be able to get my calibration completely finished by the next due dates." I hear this over and over again in our Calibration Fundamentals Class. Too many gages to calibrate and too little time to get the work done. So the question arises, "Can I extend my due dates without totaling changing my recall frequency"?

There are several possible remedies for this. Each one may come with it's own pros and cons.

1. Of course the ideal would be to have additional Calibration Technicians brought on staff to assist with the Calibrations thus eliminating backlog. However, my experience shows that this will probably be the last solution for companies to pursue.
2. Another option is to have personnel trained in Calibration to serve as support for the regular Calibration Technicians. Then coverage can be continued in times of vacation or other absence. It would also allow added Calibration Personnel during peak Calibration cycles.
3. There is also the option of extending your Calibration Recall Due Dates. You will need a statement in your Quality Manual that allows recall dates to be extended on each calibration for a given amount of time. Typically, Quality Personnel choose 30 days to be the extension.
4. Finally, many companies have chosen to change their recall frequency format. The most popular recall format for years has been Day/Month/Year. However, many companies have chose to implement a Month/Year format thus allowing a full 30 or 31 day period to complete the calibrations. Remember - if you make this change - document it in your Quality Manual.