How the figure is built. The calculation uses the mid-point of the stated investment range, depreciated straight-line over seven years. Added annually: maintenance and calibration, the temperature-controlled measuring room, software care, styli and consumables, fixturing, plus one metrology technician with 20 % for cover including Swiss employer costs and training. That annual total is divided by the number of fully inspected parts (lots × ten).
External side, itemised per lot. Series work (set-up, stylus qualification, stabilisation, CNC measurement, evaluation, documentation and the agreed data transfer) {{ kBuyArbeit }}, order flat fee {{ kBuyPauschale }}, transport both ways including packaging and internal logistics at the customer {{ kTransportLos }}; the customer carries these in full, so they belong in the comparison. Together {{ aBuyLos }} per inspection lot. The order flat fee of {{ kBuyPauschale }} applies because the measurement value of a single lot stays below CHF 1'000.—.
One-off start-up costs. The comparison covers recurring costs in established series operation. Project-specific start-up costs for programming, inspection sketch, fixturing concept, roll-out and capability study are excluded on both sides. The machine investment remains part of the internal annual cost, depreciated over seven years.
Personnel cost. One metrology technician at {{ kLohnMonat }} gross over 13 monthly salaries, plus {{ kZuschlag }} Swiss employer costs and {{ kStellvertretung }} for cover, gives {{ kVorhalt }} per year.
Transport. One inspection lot weighs about {{ kLosGewicht }} kg including packaging. The calculation takes the cheaper of ten individual parcels or one pallet; in the reference case that is {{ kTransportArt }}: shipping both ways {{ kTransportWege }} plus 15 minutes of internal logistics time {{ kLogistik }}, together {{ kTransportLos }} per lot. Based on published Swiss parcel rates (gross converted to net) and groupage transport up to 250 kg within the 60 km distance zone from Wohlen (range CHF 120.— to 155.— per direction). Data as of {{ datenstand }}.
Zones and break-even. Up to {{ zHybridBis }} lots per year external measurement holds a clear cost advantage. Between {{ zHybridVon }} and {{ zMakeBis }} lots the costs of both routes are close together; that range is the decision zone. From {{ zMakeVon }} lots the in-house capacity gains an increasing advantage. The arithmetic break-even, where both cost the same, sits at {{ aBE }} lots ({{ aBETeile }} parts).
What shifts the result towards the in-house solution. Existing metrology staff, a measuring room that is already in place, or a machine that also carries other parts and tasks. None of these is assumed in this reference calculation.
Further entrepreneurial risks
Machine downtime, recruiting and availability of qualified staff, technological ageing and lead times for machine and spare parts are deliberately not part of the annual total.