What should an operator consider before choosing manual or automated inspection?

Choosing between manual and automated inspection involves various considerations that can impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process. Selecting the option related to archiving test data is crucial because the method of inspection can affect how data is collected, stored, and later accessed for analysis or compliance.

When testing is conducted manually, the operator often needs to be more vigilant in documenting results, which may lead to inconsistencies or incomplete records. In contrast, automated systems typically have built-in data management features that ensure all collected data is systematically archived, making retrieval easier for future reference or audits.

This consideration is particularly significant in regulated industries where maintaining a comprehensive record of inspection results is essential for quality assurance and compliance with standards. Proper archiving of test data not only helps in retaining historical information for comparisons but also supports any necessary troubleshooting or validation of results. Thus, analyzing the archiving capability helps in deciding the best approach for conducting the inspection based on the organizational requirements for data handling.