---
alias: tutorials-data-collection-dc-with-instruments
tags:
- data collection
timetoread: true
description: "This documentation outlines using instruments to measure materials, calibrating them, and managing their capabilities"
---

# Data Collection with Instruments

An **Instrument** is a **Resource** that has its **Processing Type** set to **Instrument**. Any newly created **Instrument** must be Calibrated and include a Last Calibration Date otherwise it will not be available for use.

To measure the diameter and thickness of our **Material** we will use the same **Instrument**:

* Caliper-001

 ![Screenshot showing a caliper (Caliper-001) in use for data collection.](../images/dc_03.png)

!!! note
    The Type for the Resource is defined in the [[resourcetype-lt]] lookup table, and the Instrument Type in the [[instrumenttype-lt]] lookup table.<br>For mass Resource creation, the suggested approach is through [[master-data-packages-admin]] upload.

Although using an **Instrument** with a **Data Collection** is optional, as we decided to set one to use with both parameters we need to [[user-guide-manage-resource-measurement-capabilities]]. This is done by selecting the **Measurement Capabilities** section.

In the **Manage Measurement Capabilities** wizard, Measurment Capabilities Details, we will only set the Measurement Units, which will allow us to use the **Instrument** with both parameters. We will also set the Range and Resolution:

![Screenshot showing a wizard page with measurement capabilities details, including measurement units and instrument settings.](../images/dc_04.png)

We now need to manage and add the **Instrument** to be available in the **Resource** we will be using to process the **Material**. We do this by using [[user-guide-manage-resource-instruments]]:

![Screenshot showing a step for managing an instrument within a resource.](../images/dc_05.png)

!!! info
    Only the instruments assigned to a Resource will be available whilst performing the Data Collection.
  
For more information, see [[user-guide-create-resource]].