Drop-Off to Report: Managing the Materials Testing Lifecycle

In materials testing, there are a lot of moving parts. Logistics is one of those skills that's a given in testing but sometimes overlooked. We, the testing people, master this art, sometimes without even knowing it.

Every materials testing lab has a core group that just gets things done. That core group is quick to react to changes in the schedule and adapt. In a previous blog, we talked about the pickups. This time, we're taking a look at the intricacies of the drop-offs and what makes them harder to manage than most people realize.

It's Not Only About the Samples

The usual pickup in materials testing is concrete cylinders. Whether they are 6x12 or 4x8s, cylinders are the most common pickup. In general, they go back to the lab at the end of the day. Seems easy, but it isn't.

Sometimes things change, projects change, and the schedule needs to be adjusted. When those adjustments are done on the fly, there's a good chance that something is going to fall between the cracks. A missed drop-off might seem like a small thing in the moment, but it can delay test results, create billing confusion, and put a project timeline at risk.

Omnant is built to fill those cracks and ensure success. Our drop-off feature, which is included in our regular package at no extra cost, allows you to track changes and ensure that things end up where they should. If you're curious about the pricing structure, check it out here.

As mentioned, concrete cylinders are the most common drop-off in materials testing. But there is more than concrete. Let's take a quick look.

When Omnant's Drop-Off Feature Saves Time, Effort & Headaches

Concrete cylinders are the obvious one, but drop-offs in materials testing cover a lot more ground than that. Here are three situations where Omnant's drop-off feature makes a real difference.

Equipment

Technicians are in the field and some projects suffer a change in conditions. It was supposed to be a quick concrete test but now it's a soil bearing capacity or soil compaction visit. Omnant allows you to assign a drop-off for that project. Lab personnel or the closest resource between the lab and the project can scan a DCP or nuclear gauge out and deliver it to the technician in need.

Omnant tracks the piece of equipment via QR codes tied to inventory and billing. Since the drop-off was added to the schedule of the day for a specific project, it automatically goes to the invoice. Yes, you read that right. No extra steps, no chasing down billing details after the fact.

Splitting Samples

The first thing that comes to mind is aggregate samples. Usually, aggregate samples need to be split, with one part going to your lab and the other going to the local DOT or a consultant testing on behalf of the DOT. The same goes for asphalt production samples and cores. Half of the cores go to one lab, the other half goes to the DOT or their consultant.

This sample splitting can get confusing fast if it's not written down somewhere. In many instances, labs forget to deliver the samples and the other lab forgets to pick them up. Suddenly it's November and someone is looking for cores done in July. Omnant can schedule the drop-off so it's in the system, linked to a project, assigned to a technician, and reviewed at the end of the day by a project manager and the scheduler. It will get done.

Supplies & Miscellaneous

Delivering cylinder molds, shovels, additional PPE, car batteries (true story!), cameras, and many other items can be done with precision. Whether it's a routine supply run or an unexpected field request, Omnant tracks those drop-offs and includes them in the project invoice with the same click. Nothing gets lost, forgotten, or billed to the wrong project.

Move Forward with Confidence

The drop-off is one of the most overlooked steps in the materials testing lifecycle, but it's also one of the easiest places for something to go wrong.

It's time to move forward. Deliver equipment, samples, and supplies with accuracy. Take advantage of Omnant's drop-off features and give your team the visibility they need to stay on top of every project, every day. Schedule your demo today.