In 2022, the Digitalisation Task Group (DTG) was established to support the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) in understanding and addressing the challenges brought by digitalization. The group aims to explore the benefits of digitalization for the organization and its members.
During the initial DTG meeting, members recognized the need to establish a shared understanding of key terms and concepts. However, DTG does not intend to duplicate the work of other OIML Project Groups (PGs) and committees. Instead, its objective is to complement and summarise existing work by defining the necessary vocabulary for discussions on legal metrology in the digital era.
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Sources of Terminology in OIML
Several OIML publications already contain relevant terminology and definitions related to legal metrology and digitalization. These sources include:
- Vocabulary in Legal Metrology (VIML): Defines fundamental terms in legal metrology.
- OIML Guide 18: Provides a list of terms used across OIML publications.
- OIML D 31: Focuses on software-controlled measuring instruments.
The existing terminology within OIML mainly addresses digital technology in products and services, covering concepts like “digital data processing device,” “digital display,” and “digital indication.”
Expanding the Scope of Digital Terminology
Two significant exceptions exist within OIML’s publications regarding digital terminology:
- OIML D 31 includes broader terms related to digital technologies due to its focus on software-controlled measuring instruments. This document defines terms such as “audit trail,” “cryptographic certificate,” and “data domain.”
- OIML Guide 23 introduces terms like “e-learning” and “online technology” but does not provide strict definitions for them. Additionally, the guide acknowledges the lack of consensus on terms such as “digitalization,” “digital transformation,” and “digitization” within OIML.
To establish clarity, DTG has decided to align with Gartner’s definitions:
- Digitization refers to converting analog data into digital form.
- Digitalization involves using digital technologies to modify business models and improve processes.
- Digital transformation encompasses changes in business processes enabled by digitalization.
Understanding Digital Transformation in Legal Metrology
The term “digital transformation” refers to evolving processes in legal metrology where traditional analog methods are replaced with digital solutions. This transformation enhances efficiency and reliability. It is an ongoing process rather than a fixed goal, as new digital technologies continue to emerge. The adoption of digital technologies aims to improve the efficiency of metrological services.
The Role of Digitalisation in Legal Metrology
Digitalization plays a crucial role in transforming legal metrology as part of a broader shift in quality infrastructure. Legal metrology processes depend on various factors, including measurement standards, accreditation, conformity assessment, and market surveillance. As industries rapidly advance, legal metrology must also adapt to meet the growing expectations of customers and stakeholders who demand digital solutions. Some of the key challenges in this transition include:
- Managing large data sources that support new digital services.
- Using artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analysis.
- Implementing sensor networks, such as the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Adapting to new manufacturing approaches, including additive manufacturing.
Commitment to Digital Transformation
In 2022, the Task Group “SI Digital Framework” of the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM), along with the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), initiated a “Joint Statement of Intent on the Digital Transformation in the International Scientific and Quality Infrastructure.” This statement, signed by 10 international organizations, including OIML, reflects a shared commitment to advancing digital transformation.
DTG is responsible for translating this Joint Statement into practical recommendations and actions for OIML. Additionally, it collaborates with other institutions within the international quality infrastructure to implement digital transformation strategies effectively.
The Concept of Digitisation in Legal Metrology
Digitization involves converting documents and certificates into digital formats. In legal metrology, this trend is gaining momentum, with organizations increasingly adopting digital documentation methods. Common approaches include:
- Providing documents in PDF format via email or cloud services.
- Using QR codes that direct users to digital sources.
However, transitioning from digitization to digitalization requires more than just converting analog information into digital formats. It involves streamlining and harmonizing processes to enhance efficiency. Without proper integration, digital tools may not lead to significant improvements in metrological operations.
