A system and method for coordinate measurement is provided. The system includes a laser tracker and a moveable articulated-arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM). The AACMM has an articulated arm with a probe end and an actuator. A retroreflector is coupled to the probe end. When the AACMM is in a first position, the system emits a laser beam and measures a position of the retroreflector while the AACMM also measures the position of retroreflector. When the AACMM is in a second position, and based on an activation of the at least one actuator by an operator, the system transmits a signal from the AACMM to the laser tracker and rotates the laser tracker towards the second position in response to the laser tracker receiving the signal. A means for transforming the first or second coordinate system to a common coordinate frame of reference is provided.