TABLE OF CONTENTS There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man s lawful prey.
John Ruskin (1819 1900)
The lifetime cost of a sensor or transducer involves more than the initial cost for the item itself. By looking at the total cost of ownership, an optimum purchase decision can be made specific to your application.
If you purchase a car, the initial purchase price may only be 60% of the total lifetime cost of the vehicle. Gas, oil, repairs, insurance, maintenance, taxes, license fees, and other costs can exceed the initial purchase price over a 5- to 10-year typical vehicle lifetime.
If your company purchases a PC, the initial purchase price may only be 10% of the total lifetime cost of the computer. Installation, support, training, upgrades, and repairs usually dwarf the initial outlay.
Have you looked at the total cost of ownership for the sensors and transducers you are using? Do you look at these costs before making a specification?
When someone asks you how much did something cost, you typically state a figure based on what was shown on the quote, invoice, or receipt. In the case of a transducer, this is often only the cost of the transducer and possibly an amount for shipping, taxes, and related transaction costs.
This cost accounting may make the boss and the finance department happy. It can also reduce...
