Long Abstract, 750 words maximum Neglecting instrumentation puts plant safety, productivity and profitability at risk. A malfunctioning instrument may lead to leaks, fugitive emissions or even fires. But even more likely, malfunctioning or improper instrumentation handicaps a plant from identifying larger issues that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars , if not millions. During an instrument audit field survey, the engineers document instrument/ gauge installations that have failed, or are at risk of failure in an effort to identify areas of concern for the facility. The presentation is essentially reviewing the field survey process/methodology & sharing results based on findings and experience from the field instrument surveys/audits at numerous hydro-electric power facilities across North America. With the data gathered, the plant engineers can assess data and develop guidelines that would optimize reliability , minimize failure and reduce stock inventory. Given the complexity of the instrument installations, there are significant opportunities for improving device performance and consolidating the population by standardizing on certain features. During an instrument audit field survey, the engineers document gauge installations that have failed, or are at risk of failure in an effort to identify areas of concern for the facility. With all gauges that are recorded, there is a large degree of variation in regards to connections, mountings, wetted materials, liquid-filling, pressure ranges, and manufacturers. This variation allows for simplification that will enable the facility to determine what is really needed. With this data, the engineers create recommendations to suit each site’s needs. The field survey team, with guidance from the end-user representative, walks through the process units in a logical sequence. Gauges are visually inspected; when a gauge is demonstrating an unwanted condition, it is recorded for follow-up activities. The presentation is essentially sharing results based on findings and experience from the field instrument surveys/audits at numerous hydro-electric power facilities across North America.