Q. Why MudCats?

A. The technology for calibration laboratory management systems has been in use for many years. However, until now there has not been a single system that addresses the actual process of calibration and data collection. Most metrology laboratories find themselves collecting calibration data with various methods. Some use dedicated ATE systems or systems developed for a single process or discipline. Others may use word processor or spreadsheet programs to create data sheets and collect data manually.

A full range of metrology tools are contained within the MudCats Metrology Software suite. With built-in automatic calculation of test accuracy ratios and estimated measurement uncertainty, to automation scripting commands, reverse traceability, interval analysis, production tracking, administrative tools, on-site capabilities, and more. MudCats Metrology Software provides all of the tools necessary for running a successful calibration lab.

Q. Who designed and developed MudCats?

A. MudCats Metrology Software was designed by Edison ESI Metrology, one of the largest and most comprehensive calibration laboratories in the United States. Developed by Metrologists for Metrologists, MudCats Metrology Software has undergone rigorous testing, refinement, verification, and validation to make it the most powerful calibration software tool available.

Q. How is MudCats different than other Metrology software on the market?

A. Designed specifically for the metrology industry, MudCats Metrology Software was developed by our in-house Metrology Engineering Group. Over the years, Edison realized the burden of consistently meeting calibration technical and quality requirements, while reducing costs and streamlining business processes, could only be accomplished with an innovative software system based on real-time collection and analysis of calibration data. Years of development and testing have gone into our software that has been designed to meet the needs of most metrology disciplines.

Q. Is MudCats compliant with calibration regulatory standards?

A. MudCats was designed with a thorough understanding of requirements for 21 CFR Part 11 and ANSI/ISO/IEC 17025.

Q. Can MudCats be used on laptops in the field?

A. MudCats Metrology Software is available in Remote versions that can be used in the field to collect calibration data and merge data into the master system. The Remote versions do not support some of the management and engineering functions found in the Standard version, but are suitable for most field use. If full functionality is required, users can run the Standard version on a laptop and connect directly to the master database server using a VPN over the internet.

Q. Does MudCats support traceability ?

A. Specsheets and datasheets are fully revision controlled using a password protected security system and audit log. All previous revisions of a specsheet or datasheet are retained in the database when any changes are made, and are retrievable for failure analysis or auditing purposes. In addition, 128 bit unique identifiers are associated with every specification entry to ensure that traceability is maintained.

Q. What about our existing calibration applications?

A. Unfortunately, most of the calibration software solutions currently on the market are not able to handle the complexities of a modern calibration lab. Currently, you might have a solution that was not built for long-term scalability. Mudcats Metrology Software was built by Metrologists for Metrologists. Years of development have been spent perfecting a software solution to meet the challenges of compliance with ANSI/ISO/IEC 17025, 21 CFR part 11, ANSI/NCSL Z540-1, and 10CFR Appendix B.

Q. How much training is required to get up and running?

A. Our training staff is made up of MudCats Metrology Software users and metrologists who bring their expertise and years of hands-on experience to your lab. Available to train all levels of metrology personnel either on-site or at our metrology facility, we are committed to providing all the training necessary for you to realize the full potential of your lab with the MudCats Metrology Software suite.

Q. Has MudCats Metrology Software been independently tested?

A. MudCats Metrology Software has undergone extensive and rigorous testing and qualification to ensure the integrity and confidence of the system. Independent testing has included validation of the algorithms and functionality, and documentation of procedures and results. Every effort and safeguard has been utilized to assure full quality compliance.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. It all depends on how much you need. Because of our architecture, we can provide you with a single seat CPM application, or an entire Metrology Suite built around your specific needs.

MudCats Metrology Software is the best possible solution and has been shown to increase production, decrease turnaround time, and reduce errors, thereby increasing your ROI. We offer the most robust and scalable solution at a reasonable price.

Q. What security features does MudCats Metrology Software offer?

A. MudCats Metrology Software incorporates advanced security features including a comprehensive User Manager, detailed Audit Log, and configurable Audit Reports. The User Manager allows the System Administrator to set user access and permission levels within MudCats Metrology Software. User’s activities are automatically tracked and recorded in the Audit Log for traceability and compliance to 21 CFR Part 11 audit requirements.

Q. What operating systems and databases does MudCats Metrology Software require?

A. MudCats Metrology Software is designed to run on Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows 7 client computers connected to a server running Microsoft SQL Server. The server computer can be running any Windows operating system compatible with Microsoft SQL Server. MudCats Metrology Software currently supports versions 7, 2000, 2005, and 2008 of Microsoft SQL Server.