Last week, I had the privilege of presenting at NCSLI’s first annual “Metrology Digitalization Workshop,” a significant milestone in our field. I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey we’ve taken since 2002, when my first abstract on “Creating an XML Schema for Calibration Data Exchange” was rejected. NCSLI’s paper selection focused more on measurement uncertainties and quality; software wasn’t a focus back then. Fast forward to this year’s NCSLI, where we held two panel sessions, multiple papers on digital metrology, and a full-day workshop, all centered on digital metrology. The progress is truly inspiring!
The full-day workshop focused on building a standardized model for digitalizing metrology and measurement-related data. So let me first begin with a short definition of the two:
- Digitalize – is the process of converting analog data into a digital format.
- Digitalization – is the broader process of using digital technologies to transform business processes and create new business models.
In essence, digitalization is the application and expanded use of digitized information to achieve strategic goals.
As part of the workshop, attendees broke off into small groups and brainstormed how they foresee the needs, changes, challenges, and goals for the future. We used a process called CATWOE, with two 20 minute breakout sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
CATWOE is a framework used to analyze and define business stakeholder perspectives. It stands for Customers, Actors, Transformation, Worldview, Owners, and Environment. By examining these elements, organizations can comprehensively understand the different viewpoints involved in a project or process. This holistic approach helps identify potential challenges, conflicts, and opportunities, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and successful outcomes.
I was skeptical. Twenty minutes for something this complex was not enough time. What I didn’t account for was that the 40-ish people in the room were some of the world’s smartest metrologists and software engineers. The ideas and conclusions from the groups were amazing.
Summary of Requirements:
Data Structures
- Establish clear taxonomies and protocols for data exchange.
- Create standardized digital calibration certificates with traceability.
Digital Signatures and Identifiers
- Implement persistent digital signatures for long-term data validity.
- Create a common digital identifier system for IQI.
Metadata
- Include detailed measurement metadata and traceability information.
Interoperability Framework
- Enable data sharing through APIs and standard formats.
Concerns and Risks Identified:
- Infrastructure Ownership and Maintenance: Who owns and maintains the digital calibration infrastructure?
- Digital Signatures, Trust, and Security: Ensuring trust and security in digital signatures.
- Current DCC Shortcomings: Addressing the limitations of current Digital Certificates of Calibration (DCCs).
- Risk of Early Adoption: Potential risks associated with adopting digital solutions without full understanding.
- Disruptions: Both positive and negative impacts of digital transformation.
- Monetization: The role of monetization in sustaining the digital infrastructure.
- Shifting Traditional Roles: Changes in traditional roles due to digital transformation.
Recommendations Moving Forward:
Strategy and Communication
- Develop clear marketing to highlight business value and ensure long-term success.
- Foster collaboration, articulate value, and understand customer needs.
- Adapt NMI and AB roles to digital transformation.
Digital Transformation and Standards
- Create a digital transformation group within ILAC.
- Embrace agile development, focusing on value and efficiency.
- Harmonize standards while maintaining flexibility.
- Leverage existing resources for digitalization.
- Develop adaptable code and adopt digital identifiers.
- Align taxonomy for consistent classification.
- Ensure compliance with normative standards.
- Integrate instrument specifications and traceability.
- Create user-friendly software with validation tools.
My personal takeaway was that “metrology digitalization will happen in the next few years.” So far, it has been a slow start; but it’s on an exponential growth curve. Most importantly, the metrology-taxonomy work from the NCSLI Measurement Information Infrastructure (MII) & Automation Committee will be pivotal to the international effort to digitalize metrology.
To quote R. Buckminster Fuller, “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
Our current approach to metrology-related business is obsolete. It’s time to rethink and recreate a new model. I plan to be a driving force in the coming changes.
This article was written with the assistance of Google’s Gemini.
