Digitalisation is changing almost every area of industry – including the calibration of measuring equipment. Where paper documents used to dominate, the digital calibration certificate (DCC for short) is becoming increasingly important. However, as is often the case, it is not enough merely to transfer analogue processes to the digital realm. Only an industry-wide standard enables the full potential of the DCC to be realised. This post shows why a uniform format is crucial, what challenges exist and what the future of calibration certificates looks like.
From calibration certificates to the digital future
WIKA’s calibration laboratory, accredited per ISO/IEC 17025, deals daily with the preparation of calibration certificates. For a long time, the classic calibration certificate was only available in paper form. With the digitalisation of industry, however, the digital calibration certificate (DCC) is increasingly coming into focus. The advantages are obvious: more efficient processes, automatic data processing and reduced susceptibility to errors.
The DCC in practice: Worthless without standardisation
Currently, various providers already issue digital calibration certificates. Technically, these are usually XML files that digitally represent the contents of the classic calibration certificate. At first, that sounds like a big step towards the future. But appearances can be deceiving, and without a binding standard, every digital certificate is a one-off. Each company uses its own XML format – which has serious consequences:
- High implementation effort
- Lack of compatibility between laboratories and service providers
- Isolated solutions instead of real digital added value
In short, a digital certificate is not automatically a standardised DCC that creates added value for the entire industry.
Advantages of a standardised DCC for industry
The aim is a uniform, machine-readable format that can be clearly understood and processed by all parties involved. This is exactly what the specialist groups of the German Calibration Service (DKD) and the National Metrology Institute of Germany (Physikalisch Technischen Bundesanstalt, PTB) are working on; they are defining a binding standard with a clear structure and mandatory fields, so that each DCC is structured identically – providing a format that can be used by every laboratory in the same way and processed reliably by every system. Only such a standard makes the digital calibration certificate a game-changer for industry. The list of its advantages, however, is long:
- Automated data processing
- Simplified test equipment administration
- Reduced error sources
- More efficient return scenarios
- Future-proof integration
Companies with a large number of test equipment, in particular, benefit greatly once DCCs are consistently available in a standardised format.
Challenges and outlook
Despite progress in standardisation, there are still obstacles to widespread implementation. What is needed is not only the technical specifications, but also training, adaptation of existing software solutions and a rethinking of processes. The trend, however, is clear: the future of calibration certificates is digital and is based on a common standard.
The work of the PTB and DKD working groups is key here. They create clear specifications that make digital transformation possible in the first place. Only if digital calibration certificates can be created and processed everywhere under the same rules will the way be clear for efficient, safe and future-proof measurement technology.
Conclusion: Standardisation as a success factor
Many providers can already issue digital calibration certificates today – the benefit for the industry, however, remains limited as long as everyone does their own thing. Only a consistent standardisation by the established institutions gives the digital calibration certificate the clout needed for the next stage of industrial digitalisation. The key to more efficiency, transparency and safety in measurement technology lies in a common, binding standard. WIKA actively participates in the relevant committees and initiatives to jointly advance this standard. The digital calibration certificate is here to stay – and standardisation is the enabler of its sustainable success.
Note
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our service team on workdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Fridays until 3 p.m.) by telephone on +49 9372 132-5049. For more information about our calibration and service centre, visit the WIKA website.
Also read our posts
Digital calibration certificate (DCC): Revolutionising metrology
About the “jungle” of documentation in the calibration world
Digitalisation: Common standards for Industry 4.0
Accurate down to the last µ – calibration of length measuring instruments