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Paper des Monats
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Standardization research is a fairly new and is a still-evolving field of research, with possibly major practical ramifications. This article presents a summary of the authors’ subjective views of the most pressing research topics in the field. These include, among others, standards (e.g. incorporation of ethical issues), the potential impact of standards, the corporate management of standardization and legal issues like Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). In addition, gaps have been identified with a respect to a basic understanding of standardization, suggesting a need for better education in the field.
In 2019 the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) conducted a benchmarking to compare the operations of European accreditation bodies and to identify best practices, with the aim of improving key processes in accreditation. Ten European accreditation bodies attended the comparison, four of which had already taken part in the pilot phase of the benchmarking project, which was conducted in 2017 by the German accreditation body Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) and BAM.
The study, designed to examine and compare the operation of accreditation bodies in Europe, used a management tool called Process Maturity Benchmarking Tool, which was especially elaborated and validated for this purpose in the pilot phase, in order to determine the values of indicators, thus enabling a comparison of the accreditation bodies despite different operational processes and organizational forms. The management tool is based on the analysis of selected processes with high relevance for the operation of accreditation bodies. The processes are derived from a process map designed for accreditation bodies in a universally applicable way. The indicators used to characterize the processes come from two sources: The first source relates to data already available from internal databases, reports, financial audits, and others. The second source is derived from the self-evaluation of process maturity performed by the accreditation bodies. The criteria for evaluating process maturities were designed by applying the criteria of the EFQM excellence model 2013 of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) to the processes identified in the process map.
The results of the analysis were presented to and discussed with representatives of the ten accreditation bodies at a Results-Workshop that took place at BAM on 21/22 January 2020.
Accreditation is one of the pillars of a national Quality Infrastructure, as the competence of conformity assessment bodies is assured through accreditation performed by accreditation bodies. To compare the operation of accreditation bodies in Europe and to identify best practices, a management tool, the Process Maturity Benchmarking Tool, was developed and validated by applying it to European accreditation bodies. The benchmarking project comprised two major phases: In the first phase, the processes of accreditation bodies were systematically analyzed. A process map was developed, and processes of special relevance were identified and underpinned by indicators. In the second phase, the practical applicability of the theoretical model was demonstrated by analyzing the processes of eight European accreditation bodies. The results of this comparative assessment were subsequently discussed in a workshop with experts from those accreditation bodies, giving the opportunity to identify best practices.
This article has a twofold objective. First, to present a method to benchmark European accreditation bodies, based on the European Foundation for Quality Management excellence model. The successful application of the Process Maturity Benchmarking Tool gives evidence that it is a suitable and capable management tool to assess the processes of the European accreditation bodies and to benchmark them. Second, the article presents the results of the first adaption of the Process Maturity Benchmarking Tool. A general trend of process maturity was identified: While processes based on stakeholder involvement tend to have an overall lower maturity on average, internal processes are more mature.
This study was designed to examine and compare the operation of accreditation bodies in Europe. A management tool, the Process Maturity Benchmarking Tool (PMBT), was elaborated and validated by applying it to various accreditation bodies. By applying the tool, the values of indicators were determined, thus enabling a comparison of the accreditation bodies despite different operational processes and organizational forms.
The management tool PMBT is based on the analysis of selected processes with high relevance for the operation of accreditation bodies. The processes are derived from a process map designed for accreditation bodies in a universally applicable way. The indicators used to characterize the processes come from two sources: The first source relates to data already available from internal databases, reports, financial audits etc. The second source is derived from a self-evaluation of process maturity performed by the accreditation bodies. The criteria for evaluating process maturity were designed by applying the criteria of the EFQM excellence model 2013 of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) to the processes identified in the process map.
The project Comparison of the Operation of Accreditation Bodies in Europe comprised three stages. In the first stage, the processes of accreditation bodies were systematically analyzed. A process map was developed and processes of special relevance for the performance of accreditation bodies were identified and underpinned by indicators as described above. In the second stage, the processes of the German accreditation body DAkkS were assigned to the tool. This stage was used to check and modify the indicators when necessary. In the third stage, the transferability of the model was analyzed by extension to seven other accreditation bodies operating in Europe. The third stage of the project ended with a workshop attended by the eight accreditation bodies, which was used to present and discuss the results of the comparison and to identify best practices.
The long-term goal of the benchmarking project for European accreditation bodies is twofold: First of all, the project is supposed to help the European accreditation attending bodies to improve their processes by identifying best practices and by learning from others. Possibly Secondly, the results of the analysis can be used by the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA) to identify differences in the operation of the European accreditation bodies and based on this knowledge to promote harmonization of accreditation activities in Europe.
The long-term goal of the benchmarking project for European accreditation bodies is twofold: First of all, the project is supposed to help the European accreditation attending bodies to improve their processes by identifying best practices and by learning from others. Possibly Secondly, the results of the analysis can be used by the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA) to identify differences in the operation of the European accreditation bodies and based on this knowledge to promote harmonization of accreditation activities in Europe.
In 2019 the German federal institute Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM) conducted a benchmarking to compare the operations of European accreditation bodies and to identify best practices, with the aim of improving key processes in accreditation. Ten European accreditation bodies attended the comparison, four of which had already taken part in the pilot phase of the benchmarking project, which was conducted in 2017 by the German accreditation body Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) and the BAM.
The study, designed to examine and compare the operation of accreditation bodies in Europe, used a management tool called Process Maturity Benchmarking Tool, which was especially elaborated and validated for this purpose in the pilot phase, in order to determine the values of indicators, thus enabling a comparison of the accreditation bodies despite different operational processes and organizational forms. The management tool is based on the analysis of selected processes with high relevance for the operation of accreditation bodies. The processes are derived from a process map designed for accreditation bodies in a universally applicable way. The indicators used to characterize the processes come from two sources: The first source relates to data already available from internal databases, reports, financial audits, and others. The second source is derived from the self-evaluation of process maturity performed by the accreditation bodies. The criteria for evaluating process maturities were designed by applying the criteria of the EFQM excellence model 2013 of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) to the processes identified in the process map.
The results of the analysis were presented to and discussed with representatives of the ten accreditation bodies at a Results-Workshop that took place at BAM on 21/22 January 2020.
In this presentation a wrap-up of the results was given to the HHC of EA
The long-term goal of the benchmarking project for European accreditation bodies is twofold: First of all, the project is supposed to help the European accreditation attending bodies to improve their processes by identifying best practices and by learning from others. Possibly Secondly, the results of the analysis can be used by the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA) to identify differences in the operation of the European accreditation bodies and based on this knowledge to promote harmonization of accreditation activities in Europe.
The long-term goal of the benchmarking project for European accreditation bodies is twofold: First of all, the project is supposed to help the European accreditation attending bodies to improve their processes by identifying best practices and by learning from others. Possibly Secondly, the results of the analysis can be used by the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA) to identify differences in the operation of the European accreditation bodies and based on this knowledge to promote harmonization of accreditation activities in Europe.
The long-term goal of the benchmarking project for European accreditation bodies is twofold: First of all, the project is supposed to help the European accreditation attending bodies to improve their processes by identifying best practices and by learning from others. Possibly Secondly, the results of the analysis can be used by the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA) to identify differences in the operation of the European accreditation bodies and based on this knowledge to promote harmonization of accreditation activities in Europe.
The long-term goal of the benchmarking project for European accreditation bodies is twofold: First of all, the project is supposed to help the European accreditation attending bodies to improve their processes by identifying best practices and by learning from others. Possibly Secondly, the results of the analysis can be used by the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA) to identify differences in the operation of the European accreditation bodies and based on this knowledge to promote harmonization of accreditation activities in Europe.
The 2nd benchmarking round of the project “Analysis of the operation of accreditation bodies in Europe” is envisaged for 2019. In contrast to the 1st round, the BAM will conduct this benchmarking solely without the DAkkS as partner. The 2nd round will make use of the Process Maturity Benchmarking Tool PMBT, the management tool which was developed for and applied in the 1st round. The PMBT will be optimized in advance based on the suggestions and experiences gathered in the benchmarking conducted in 2016. To discuss this adjustment a preparation meeting was conducted in the course of the EA GA in Rome.
Accreditation is one of the relevant tasks in a modern Quality Infrastructure, as the competence of conformity assessment bodies is assured through accreditation performed by accreditation bodies. To compare the operation of accreditation bodies in Europe and identify best practices a management tool was elaborated and validated by applying it to eight accreditation bodies. The tool made a comparison of the operations of the accreditation bodies possible, despite different sizes, operational processes and organizational forms.
The benchmarking project comprised three stages. In the first stage, the processes of accreditation bodies were systematically analyzed. A process map was developed and processes of special relevance for the performance of accreditation bodies were identified and underpinned by indicators. In the second stage, the processes of the German accreditation body Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) were assigned to the tool. This validation stage was used to check and modify the indicators when necessary. In the third stage, the transferability of the model was analyzed by extension to seven other accreditation bodies operating in Europe. The third stage of the project resulted in a workshop attended by experts from the participating ABs, which was used to discuss the results of the comparison and to identify best practices.
This study was designed to examine and compare the operation of accreditation bodies in Europe. A management tool, the Process Maturity Benchmarking Tool (PMBT), was elaborated and validated by applying it to various accreditation bodies. By applying the tool, the values of indicators were determined, thus enabling a comparison of the accreditation bodies despite different operational processes and organizational forms.
The management tool PMBT is based on the analysis of selected processes with high relevance for the operation of accreditation bodies. The processes are derived from a process map designed for accreditation bodies in a universally applicable way. The indicators used to characterize the processes come from two sources: The first source relates to data already available from internal databases, reports, financial audits etc. The second source is derived from a self-evaluation of process maturity performed by the accreditation bodies. The criteria for evaluating process maturity were designed by applying the criteria of the EFQM excellence model 2013 of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) to the processes identified in the process map.
The project Comparison of the Operation of Accreditation Bodies in Europe comprised three stages. In the first stage, the processes of accreditation bodies were systematically analyzed. A process map was developed and processes of special relevance for the performance of accreditation bodies were identified and underpinned by indicators as described above. In the second stage, the processes of the German accreditation body DAkkS were assigned to the tool. This stage was used to check and modify the indicators when necessary. In the third stage, the transferability of the model was analyzed by extension to seven other accreditation bodies operating in Europe. The third stage of the project ended with a workshop attended by the eight accreditation bodies, which was used to present and discuss the results of the comparison and to identify best practices.
O3BET Quality Protocols
(2023)
Presentation of the process-oriented approach for the development of the quality protocolls (standard operation procedures and work instructions) for the O3BETs. O3BETs are innovative testing facilities for building envelopes which are developed in the course of the Metabuilding Labs EU Horizon 2020 project.
The MBLabs consortium comprises various organizations that operate testing facilities encompassing a broad spectrum of tests relevant to the construction sector, particularly building envelopes. In the future, additional testing facilities will join the METABUILDING platform to offer their services. These services will be integrated in the MBLabs Open Innovation Test Bed and accessible via the METABUILDING platform. The METABUILDING platform is operated by the METABUILDING association.
In Task 8.5 the Quality Assurance system of the MBLabs OITB is developed. The presentation gives an overview regarding the development of this system after 3 years of project execution.
Sustainable product policy is one pillar of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. The European Commission is to begin to address recycling, recycled content and repair under the Ecodesign Directive and very likely in the announced European Sustainable Products Regulation. In addition, initiatives on recyclability and other aspects of sustainable products can be observed in France under the Ecomodulation Approach for some electrical and electronic products. Neither the Commission's ambitions nor the Ecomodulation Approach have so far led to a crucially better ecodesign of products.
Therefore, at the EU level, indices for reparability (already developed for smartphones and tablets), recyclability and recycled content of products are being discussed within the Ecodesign legislative framework in an attempt to achieve better ecodesign through advanced consumer purchasing decisions. The product standards requested by the European Commission to assess the recyclability (EN4555) and recycled content (EN4557) of energy-related products have already been published, but are purely based on a mass-based approach. Material-specific aspects such as the environmental impact or the financial, technical and redesign efforts required by manufacturers to facilitate the recycling and use of recycled materials are not addressed. Materials that are easy to recycle and use and have a high recycled content, such as copper, are treated in the same way as plastics that are difficult to recycle and use in products as post-consumer recycled plastics. Including such aspects would be essential to trigger environmentally relevant and significant improvements in product design.
Extraction, chromatographic separation, and quantification of low-concentration organic compounds in complex matrices are core challenges for reference material producers and providers of calibration services. Evidence of successful participation in formal, relevant international comparisons is needed to document measurement capability claims made by national metrology institutes (NMIs) and designated institutes (DIs). To enable NMIs and DIs to update or establish their claims, in 2014 the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) initiated CCQM-K95.1 "Low-Polarity Analytes in a Botanical Matrix: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Tea". This was a follow-on comparison from CCQM-K95 which was completed in 2014.
The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) benz[a]anthracene (BaA) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are considered priority pollutants by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are regulated contaminants in food, pose chromatographic separation challenges, and for which exist well-characterized measurement procedures and standard materials. BaA and BaP in a smoked tea were therefore selected as representative target measurands for CCQM-K95.1. Ten NMIs participated in CCQM-K95.1. The consensus summary mass fractions for the two PAHs are in the range of (50 to 70) ng/g with relative standard deviations of (6 to 10) %.
Successful participation in CCQM K95.1 demonstrates the following measurement capabilities in determining mass fraction of organic compounds, with molar mass of 100 g/mol to 500 g/mol and having polarity pKow −2, in a botanical matrix ranging in mass fraction from 10 ng/g to 1000 ng/g: (1) value assignment of primary reference standards (if in-house purity assessment carried out), (2) value assignment of single and/or multi-component organic solutions, (3) extraction of analytes of interest from the matrix, (4) cleanup and separation of analytes of interest from interfering matrix or extract components, and (5) separation and quantification using gas chromatography or liquid chromatography.
Solutions of organic analytes of known mass fraction are typically used to calibrate the measurement processes used to determine these compounds in matrix samples. Appropriate value assignments and uncertainty calculations for calibration solutions are critical for accurate measurements. Evidence of successful participation in formal, relevant international comparisons is needed to document measurement capability claims (CMCs) made by national metrology institutes (NMIs) and designated institutes (DIs). To enable NMIs and DIs to update or establish their claims, in 2015 the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) sponsored CCQM-K131 "Low-Polarity Analytes in a Multicomponent Organic Solution: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Acetonitrile".
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) result from combustion sources and are ubiquitous in environmental samples. The PAH congeners, benz[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and naphthalene (Nap) were selected as the target analytes for CCQM-K131. These targets span the volatility range of PAHs found in environmental samples and include potentially problematic chromatographic separations. Nineteen NMIs participated in CCQM-K131. The consensus summary mass fractions for the three PAHs are in the range of (5 to 25) μg/g with relative standard deviations of (2.5 to 3.5) %.
Successful participation in CCQM-K131 demonstrates the following measurement capabilities in determining mass fraction of organic compounds of moderate to insignificant volatility, molar mass of 100 g/mol up to 500 g/mol, and polarity pKow < −2 in a multicomponent organic solution ranging in mass fraction from 100 ng/g to 100 μg/g: (1) value assignment of primary reference standards (if in-house purity assessment carried out), (2) value assignment of single and/or multi-component organic solutions, and (3) separation and quantification using gas chromatography or liquid chromatography.
Standards play a crucial role in the transition to more sustainable production and consumption models by promoting the development of new markets for innovative products. In the case of the bioeconomy, standards are particularly relevant to ensure the sustainability of products and processes. Hence, standards represent an essential strategic tool to foster sustainable development. Furthermore, the standard-setting process brings together different stakeholders, which encourages research and the transfer of knowledge to industrial practice. In particular, scientific publications assist the standardisation process by providing scientific evidence. This study investigates the role of science and regulation in the bioeconomy standardisation process. It first provides a general analysis of bioeconomy-related standards, followed by an analysis of the regulations and publications referenced in the standards. Our analysis discloses a strong use of scientific knowledge in the bioeconomy standardisation process and demonstrates the readiness to integrate novel academic findings into revised versions of the standards. In addition, it reveals that the interaction between science and regulation is an important driver for standardisation activities around the bioeconomy, needed to support sustainable transitions.
Die BAM betreibt ein QM-System, das stark an der DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 orientiert ist und welches in den meisten Fachabteilungen durch Akkreditierungen untersetzt wird. Mit der Zunahme der Forschungsaktivitäten in den letzten Jahren ist der DFG-Kodex zur Sicherstellung der Guten wissenschaftlichen Praxis deutlicher in den Fokus des Qualitätsmanagements gerückt. Der Vortrag zeigt auf, welche QM-Anforderungen an die Leistungen der BAM gestellt werden und mit welchen Instrumenten sie diese umsetzt, so dass Gute wissenschaftliche Praxis und Akkreditierungen gut harmonieren können.
The energy efficiency rating on the European Union energy label for cooking fume extractors is based on measurements of the flow rate and static pressure difference within the duct behind the cooking fume extractor according to standard EN 61591:1997/A12:2015 and regulation (EU) No 65/2014. These measurements do not enable a definite conclusion about the cooking fume extractor’s air purification performance.Measurements which evaluate the air purification performance directly would be more valuable for consumers.
In this thesis, a test method was developed that enables the energy efficiency rating of cooking fume extractors based on a direct measurement of the air purification by measuring the captured and filtered oil mist. The test method also enables the rating of cooking fume extractors that operate in recirculation mode, which is not possible using the current standard EN 61591:1997/A12:2015.
The performance rating based on removed oil mist requires a reproducible generation of oil mist. Furthermore, the generated oil mist should resemble the oil mist from common cooking scenarios to give meaningful performance ratings. The oil mist from the grease absorption test according to standard EN 61591:1997/A12:2015 was taken as a reference oil mist for common cooking scenarios. A round robin test revealed that the oil mist generation with the grease absorption test from the standard is not reproducible enough for performance tests. The oil mist generation with atomizer nozzles was found more suitable for the reproducible generation of an oil mist.
Two different atomizers were analyzed by measuring the properties of generated oil mist and by applying them in performance tests on cooking fume extractors. One “mantled atomizer” was bought from the market and one “open atomizer” was developed specifically for the test of cooking fume extractors.
It was found that an oil mist with similar properties compared to the reference oil mist can be generated with the design of the open atomizer. The proposed test method using the open atomizer led to a better repeatability compared to the grease absorption tests according to the current standard and has the potential to improve the reproducibility. The results suggest that the proposed test method could be used for standardized testing which would enable more meaningful energy efficiency ratings and the rating of cooking fume extractors that operate in recirculation mode.
The energy label is a tool that informs the consumer about the energy consumption of certain appliances. The tumble dryer is one of these appliances that were considered relevant for receiving an energy label in the European Union. All classes and values on the energy label are stated by the manufacturers. In order to guarantee that the manufacturers do not cheat and appliances are labeled correctly, the stated values are checked by the market surveillance of each country in compliance verification tests. However, in the case of tumble dryers these compliance verification tests are very expensive and can only be realized for a small sample size out of models which are available on the market. The fewer compliance verification tests are carried out, the higher is the chance that there are incorrectly labeled appliances on the market. Therefore, a modification of the test standard for tumble dryers has been analyzed which would reduce the costs of a performance test by at least 11 %.
Several models of range hoods were tested by independent and accredited testing institutes. The results have been compared to the information declared by the manufacturer on the energy efficiency label and the product fiche. The measured electric power input of the lighting System and the measured grease absorption factor often differed significantly from the declared values.
The reasons for these observations and the necessary steps to ensure accurate measurements and a meaningful EU energy efficiency label are elucidated. It is suggested that the ranges of the lighting efficiency classes are readjusted to fit the nowadays prevalent LED technology.
Furthermore the tolerance in the regulation for the nominal electric power input of the lighting could be extended by a minimum absolute tolerance. The grease absorption test method may need a rework to achieve a satisfying accuracy.
Cost analysis of screening methods to find non-compliant models using the example of tumble dryers
(2019)
The European energy label was established to reduce energy consumption in Europe. All classes and values on the energy label are stated by the supplier. The task of market surveillance is to ensure correct labels and to validate their values through compliance tests. However, this can only be done for a small fraction of all models on the market, since physical tests are expensive. Screening methods can be used to narrow down the number of critical products before compliance tests are done to decrease the costs of finding non-compliant models.
This study shows a mathematical approach to analyze the cost benefits of screening methods to find non-compliant models. Furthermore, the analysis presented has been applied to 18 screening methods for tumble dryers. The performance test for tumble dryers consists of seven test runs. All screening methods evaluated are composed of a reduced number of test runs. The most efficient screening method reduces the surveillance costs by 40 %.
Digitalisierung in der Konformitätsbewertung - Einblicke aus unserer internationalen QI-FoKuS-Studie
(2022)
Die Präsentation enthält Informationen zur internationalen Studie der BAM zum Thema Digitalisierung in der Konformitätsbewertung, insbesondere erste Ergebnisse aus Deutschland. Sie zeigt u.a. die digitale Reife der teilnehmenden Prüflaboratorien und Zertifizierungsstellen sowie technologische Trends.
Der Vortrag stellt die Initiative QI-Digital vor, deren Ziel es ist, Lösungen für eine moderne, digitale Qualitätsinfrastruktur (QI) zu entwickeln. Dabei wird insbesondere auf den das praxisnahe Pilotprojekt der Qualitätssicherung in der additiven Fertigung eingegangen und aufgezeigt, wie digitale QI-Werkzeuge wie Smart Standards, digitale Zertifikate und Kalibrierscheine, eine QI-Cloud und der digitale Produktpass zu einer vernetzten und vertrauenswürdigen Qualitätssicherung beitragen.
QI-Digital ist eine Initiative der BAM gemeinsam mit den zentralen Akteuren der Qualitätsinfrastruktur (QI) in Deutschland. Sie zielt darauf ab, gemeinsam Lösungen für eine moderne QI vor dem Hintergrund der zunehmenden Digitalisierung zu entwickeln. Im Vortrag wird ein Überblick zu den Zielen und Maßnahmen im Projekt gegeben, insbesondere hinsichtlich der beiden BAM-Use Cases „Additive Fertigung“ und „Sichere und verlässliche Wasserstofftankstelle“ sowie der QI-Cloud, die ein wesentlicher Baustein für das strukturelle Fundament einer QI-Digital darstellt.
„Made in Germany“ steht für Vertrauen in Qualität und Sicherheit, das auch in der digitalen und grünen Transformation gelten soll. In einer zunehmend digitalisierten Welt muss auch die Qualitätssicherung von Produkten, Prozessen und Dienstleistungen neu gedacht werden. Ziel der Initiative QI-Digital ist es, die bewährte Qualitätsinfrastruktur (QI) noch besser zu machen. Für eine moderne und effiziente Qualitätssicherung. Die zentralen Akteure der deutschen QI haben sich in QI-Digital zusammengeschlossen, um konkrete Lösungen für innovative Anwendungsfälle zu entwickeln. Dabei ist ein ganzheitlicher und praxisbezogener Ansatz wichtig, in dem ein weiter Kreis interessierter Stakeholder aktiv eingebunden wird.
Im Kurzvortrag wird die Initiative, inkl. ihrer Akteure, Ziele, Projekte und Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten vorgestellt.
Standardization for the Industrial Internet of Things: Engagement by China, Germany and the USA
(2018)
Standardization is a major challenge for a successful digital transformation of manufacturing. Industry and governments have put this topic on their agenda and stakeholders worldwide are engaged in various Standard Development Organizations, consortia and fora, seeking to shape the standards for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This paper for the first time analyzes how well participants from the USA, China and Germany are actually represented and engaged in standards development for the IIoT. Using quantitative metrics, the study specifically investigates standardization activities for Wireless Sensor Networks at the Internet Engineering Taskforce (IETF). The results are divergent: Measuring the authorships of IETF Internet-Drafts, China’s successful catch-up in international standardization is confirmed, having even outperformed the USA. When it comes to the authorship of the actual standards at IETF, China could not assert its top position. Here, US authors are leading, followed by German participants. The paper discusses different engagement patterns in depth and analyzes the national economic, institutional and political backgrounds that influence them.
Standardization for the Industrial Internet of Things: Engagement by China, Germany and the USA
(2018)
Standardization is a major challenge for a successful digital transformation of manufacturing. Industry and governments have put this topic on their agenda and stakeholders worldwide are engaged in various Standard Development Organizations, consortia and fora, seeking to shape the standards for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This paper for the first time analyzes how well participants from the USA, China and Germany are actually represented and engaged in standards development for the IIoT. Using quantitative metrics, the study specifically investigates standardization activities for Wireless Sensor Networks at the Internet Engineering Taskforce (IETF). The results are divergent: Measuring the authorships of IETF Internet-Drafts, China’s successful catch-up in international standardization is confirmed, having even outperformed the USA. When it comes to the authorship of the actual standards at IETF, China could not assert its top position. Here, US authors are leading, followed by German participants. The paper discusses different engagement patterns in depth and analyzes the national economic, institutional and political backgrounds that influence them.
Standardization for the Industrial Internet of Things: Engagement by China, Germany and the USA
(2018)
Standardization is a major challenge for a successful digital transformation of manufacturing. Industry and governments have put this topic on their agenda and stakeholders worldwide are engaged in various Standard Development Organizations, consortia and fora, seeking to shape the standards for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This paper for the first time analyzes how well participants from the USA, China and Germany are actually represented and engaged in standards development for the IIoT. Using quantitative metrics, the study specifically investigates standardization activities for Wireless Sensor Networks at the Internet Engineering Taskforce (IETF). The results are divergent: Measuring the authorships of IETF Internet-Drafts, China’s successful catch-up in international standardization is confirmed, having even outperformed the USA. When it comes to the authorship of the actual standards at IETF, China could not assert its top position. Here, US authors are leading, followed by German participants. The paper discusses different engagement patterns in depth and analyzes the national economic, institutional and political backgrounds that influence them.
The presentation summarizes the economic research activities at Department S concerning Quality Infrastructure. It introduces the new tool "QI-FoKuS" - an annual company survey in Germany, seeking to provide data on conformity assessment and accreditation in Germany. The first company survey deals with the use and certification of management systems with a special focus on information security and the criteria for the selection of certification bodies.
Global Status and Trends in Digital Transformation and Conformity Assessment – The Case of Germany
(2022)
This presentation summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment worldwide. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) in Germany conducted in 2022, as well as some first insights from Latin American countries. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on CABs is part of a global project that covers various countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This presentation summarizes major findings from an international study in 16 countries and regions on digital transformation in conformity assessment bodies such as testing and calibration laboratories or certification and inspection bodies. It draws from survey data of 1.476 participants and specifically highlights findings on the digital maturity of the organizations, providing an international comparison.
The presentation provides an overview and introduction to the need and drivers for the digital transformation of the quality infrastructure (QI). It illustrates the tools and processes that are the fundation of a digital QI and how the initiatve QI-Digital aims at developing accordant solutions. Special emphasis is given to the pilot projects at BAM.
Überblick über die Initiative QI-Digital. Schwerpunkt liegt neben den allgemeinen Zielen und Aktivitäten in verschiedenen Projekten insbesondere auf der Rolle von Datenräumen für die Qualitätsinfrastruktur (QI) und hier insbesondere Labore. Datenräume als Anker einer digitalen QI ermöglichen nicht nur sicheren und souveränen Datenaustausch sondern bieten auch Potential für neue Geschäftsmodelle.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Conformity Assessment: Insights from a Multinational Study
(2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed new and manifold challenges to organizations and their operations worldwide. Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as testing or medical laboratories, certification, and inspection bodies, are also affected by the associated disruptions. Their situation in this crisis is highly relevant, as CABs are essential pillars of the quality infrastructure: Their activities ensure that products and services meet requirements as defined in standards and regulations, thereby contributing to their safety and reliability. Considering the roles and functions of CABs in economy, health, and innovation, the question arises how CABs and their operations were affected by the pandemic and how they responded. To this end, we present the results of an international survey of 986 CABs of all types in Germany, the UK, Italy, and New Zealand. Overall, CABs reported on average a negative development of demand during the pandemic, facing restrictions in all countries. In addition, the pandemic had overall negative impact on the CABs’ investment and innovation activities. However, investments in digital infrastructure were increased as countermeasure, with CABs reporting an increased need for digitalization. Resources relevant to organizational resilience were available to different extents, affecting the speed of response to the challenges of the pandemic. The paper highlights and discusses results from in-depth analyses, which are relevant for policy makers and industry alike.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed new and manifold challenges to organizations and their operations worldwide. Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as testing or medical laboratories, certification, and inspection bodies, which are a key part of the Quality Infrastructure and constitute central pillars for trade, health and the innovation system, are also affected by the associated disruptions. However, their services matter more than ever.
We present the results of an international survey of 986 CABs of all types in Germany, the UK, Italy, and New Zealand to highlight and compare economic impacts, the resilience of this industry as well as issues of digitalization.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Conformity Assessment: Insights from a Multinational Study
(2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed new and manifold challenges to organizations and their operations worldwide. Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as testing or medical laboratories, certification, and inspection bodies, are also affected by the associated disruptions. Their situation in this crisis is highly relevant, as CABs are essential pillars of the quality infrastructure: Their activities ensure that products and services meet requirements as defined in standards and regulations, thereby contributing to their safety and reliability. Considering the roles and functions of CABs in economy, health, and innovation, the question arises how CABs and their operations were affected by the pandemic and how they responded. To this end, we present the results of an international survey of 986 CABs of all types in Germany, the UK, Italy, and New Zealand. Overall, CABs reported on average a negative development of demand during the pandemic, facing restrictions in all countries. In addition, the pandemic had overall negative impact on the CABs’ investment and innovation activities. However, investments in digital infrastructure were increased as countermeasure, with CABs reporting an increased need for digitalization. Resources relevant to organizational resilience were available to different extents, affecting the speed of response to the challenges of the pandemic. The paper highlights and discusses results from in-depth analyses, which are relevant for policy makers and industry alike.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed new and manifold challenges to organizations and their operations worldwide. Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as testing or medical laboratories, certification, and inspection bodies, were also affected by the associated disruptions. Their role in this crisis is highly relevant, as CABs are essential pillars of the quality infrastructure: their activities ensure that products and services meet requirements as defined in standards and regulations, thereby contributing to their safety and reliability. The question arises of how CABs and their operations were affected by the pandemic and how they responded. To this end, we present the results of an international survey of 986 CABs of all types in Germany, the UK, Italy, and New Zealand. Overall, CABs reported, on average, a reduction in demand for their services during the pandemic, facing restrictions in all countries. In addition, the pandemic had an overall negative impact on the CABs’ investment and innovation activities. However, investments in digital infrastructure were increased as a countermeasure, with CABs reporting a higher need for digitalization. The paper highlights and discusses results from in-depth analyses relevant to policymakers and industry alike.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) poses multiple challenges to traditional standardization, due to the complexity, dynamics, and accelerating speed of technological progress. The need for a timely availability of standards calls for new approaches and tools to enhance standardization processes for smart manufacturing. Industry and standards development organizations worldwide are seeking new solutions. Testbeds have been acknowledged in innovation policy as a powerful tool for knowledge transfer and the further development of emerging technologies. Lately, they have also attracted increasing attention from the standardization perspective as a promising tool for a more agile standards development process. Proponents of such testbeds expect them to support standardization by providing validated solutions and accelerating the processes to meet the growing demands for faster standardization without any detriment to quality. In an explorative, qualitative approach this article is the first to investigate the operation and impact of testbeds in standardization processes based on a multiple case study on testbeds implemented worldwide in the context of the IIoT.
Produktion und Handel in immer komplexeren Wertschöpfungsnetzwerken, die fortschreitende digitale und grüne Transformation sowie technologische Innovationen sind in hohem Maße auf die verlässliche Sicherung und den effizienten Nachweis der Qualität, Sicherheit und Nachhaltigkeit von Waren, Dienstleistungen und Prozessen angewiesen. Unverzichtbar dafür ist eine moderne und leistungsfähige Qualitätsinfrastruktur (QI). Der Artikel stellt die Initiative QI-Digital, ihre Ziele und Aktivitäten für die digitale Transformation der QI vor.
Der Vortrag stellt die Arbeiten der BAM in der Initiative QI-Digital vor, in deren Rahmen Lösungen für eine moderne und digitale Qualitätsinfrastruktur entwickelt werden. Schwerpunkt liegt auf dem zentralen Werkzeug Quality-X sowie dem Pilotprojekt "Moderne Qualitätssicherung in der Additiven Fertigung".
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in North Macedonia. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Croatia. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in New Zealand. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
The services of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) are essential to provide for trust in and safety of digital products and services by demonstrating that requirements from standards are met. Thus, it is vital that CABs are ready to fulfil their tasks also in the digital transformation, having the necessary capabilities and resources. Our study is the first to comprehensively assess the digital maturity in the CA industry and to provide some insights into the readiness of the industry to support and at the same time benefit from the digital age. To this end, we developed and implemented a digital maturity model tailored to the CA industry. In this paper, we present first results from our survey among 354 accredited CABs in Germany. With our research we contribute to better understand the digital transformation and maturation of CABs along distinctive stages. The findings suggest that the transformation process in the CA industry is just at the beginning, with the majority of CABs still in early stages of digital maturity. Also, only a few of them already exploit the latest digital technologies and applications like artificial intelligence, blockchain or big data analytics. Nevertheless, CABs regard digitalization as a big
opportunity – for themselves and their industry.
The ongoing digital transformation of the economy and the increasing complexity of networked products and applications are bringing digitalization into the focus of conformity assessment bodies (CABs). The demand for conformity assessment services is rising in tandem with innovations, new technologies, and processes. This poses new challenges for testing and calibration laboratories, inspection and certification bodies, and other CABs. Nevertheless, the emergence of advanced digital technologies and applications also opens up new opportunities for these organizations. This study is the first to comprehensively explore "Digitalization in Conformity Assessment" building on data from an online survey of CABs worldwide (14 countries and West Africa as a region with seven countries).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Germany. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on German CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Spain. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Spanish CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Brazil. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Brazilian CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Ireland. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Irish CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Singapore. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Latvia. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Latvian CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Italy. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Italian CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
Im Vortrag wurden die Ergebnisse der von BAM gemeinsam mit der TU Berlin und Fraunhofer ISI durchgeführten Befragung zur Lage der Konformitätsbewertungsstellen während der Corona-Pandemie vorgestellt und mit den Teilnehmer*innen diskutiert. Schwerpunkte lagen auf den wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen (Aufträge, Arbeitsfähigkeit, Existenz), der Resilienz der Branche sowie den Wirkungen auf die Digitalisierung. Mehr Informationen unter www.qi-fokus.de.
Die Studie fasst Ergebnisse einer Befragung von Konformitätsbewertungsstellen zu deren Lage und den Aussichten während der Corona-Pandemie zusammen. Besondere Schwerpunkte wurden auf die wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen und die Arbeitsfähigkeit, aber auch auf die Resilienz und die Wirkungen auf die Digitalisierung gelegt.
Covid 19 stellt Gesellschaft und Wirtschaft vor immense Herausforderungen – auch die Konformitätsbewertungsbranche ist betroffen. Die Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) hat gemeinsam mit der TU Berlin und
dem Fraunhofer ISI die Auswirkungen der Pandemie auf die wirtschaftliche und operative Lage von Konformitätsbewertungsstellen in Deutschland untersucht. Dabei standen auch die Digitalisierung sowie die Resilienz der Branche im
Fokus.
„Made in Germany“ steht für Vertrauen in Qualität und Sicherheit, das auch in der digitalen und grünen Transformation gelten soll. In einer zunehmend digitalisierten Welt muss auch die Qualitätssicherung von Produkten, Prozessen und Dienstleistungen neu gedacht werden. Ziel der Initiative QI-Digital ist es, Lösungen für eine moderne, digitale Qualitätsinfrastruktur (QI) zu schaffen. Im Vortrag wird die Vision einer QI-Digital skizziert, und es werden die nötigen Werkzeuge sowie das Vorgehen der Initiative mithilfe dreier Pilotprojekte dargestellt.
By tracing sustainability impacts along the supply chain, certification schemes and labels are crucial to unlock the potential of bio-based systems in achieving several SDGs. However, the rapid proliferation of certification schemes and labels led to questioning their effectiveness and robustness and to what extent they deliver important outcomes, in line with sustainability policy priorities. The STAR4BBS project develops indicators and a monitoring system for assessing the effectiveness and robustness of existing certification schemes and labels, applicable to biological feedstock and bio-based materials and products.
This presentation provides an introduction and intermediate results of the Horizon-Europe STAR4BBS project.It focuses on how to maximize the potential of Sustainability Certification Schemes (SCS) and labels to support a successful transition to a sustainable bio-based economy by assessing their effectiveness, robustness, and credibility.
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Africa. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2023. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Mexico. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in the United Kingdom. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in West Africa. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Peru. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
This study is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in the Netherlands. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Dutch CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
This report summarizes findings from the first comprehensive study on digitalization in conformity assessment in Colombia. The reults are based on data from a survey among conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducted in 2022. It highlights the digital maturity of the organizations, the motives, benefits and obstacles of digital transformation as well as the actual technology trends.
The study on Colombian CABs is part of a global project that covers various other countries (see www.qi-fokus.de).
Technological innovation and digitalization are transforming industries and organizations worldwide. Digital Maturity Models often serve as a reference point to monitor the digitalization progression through prescribed stages. Yet, little is still understood about (i) how a digital maturity model should be designed and deployed in a specific industry setting and (ii) the association between digital maturity and technology adoption. Building on extant literature and extensive interviews with industry experts, we first develop a digital maturity model in the context of the conformity assessment industry (a globally regulated industry responsible for assessing compliance of organizations with standards and regulations). Second, we implement the model and conduct a survey across 1447 organizations in 15 countries. Our findings reveal that the digital transformation journey of the industry progresses along five stages of maturity (with most organizations in the early/ intermediate stages of digital maturity) with distinctive patterns of technical and managerial practices across all stages. Adoption of technologies is (unsurprisingly) associated with higher digital maturity levels - albeit that association does not hold for complex technologies (such as Blockchain) and is impacted by country specifics (measured by the Digital Skills Gap Index). Our study provides insights into digital maturity and the adoption of technologies in an institutional environment that is highly regulated and conservative, in which high integrity of service provision is primary, and digitalization is a secondary focus of organizations.
During its 25 years of existence, the Inorganic Analysis Working Group of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance: Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CCQM IAWG) has achieved much in establishing comparability of measurement results. Impressive work has been done on comparison exercises related to real-world problems in fields such as ecology, food, or health. In more recent attempts, measurements and comparisons were focused on calibration solutions which are the basis of most inorganic chemical measurements. This contribution deals with the question of how to achieve full and transparent SI traceability for the values carried by such solutions. Within this framework, the use of classical primary methods (CPMs) is compared to the use of a primary difference method (PDM). PDM is a method with a dual character, namely a metrological method with a primary character, based on the bundling of many measurement methods for individual impurities, which lead to materials with certified content of the main component. As in classical methods, where small corrections for interferences are accepted, in PDM, many small corrections are bundled. In contrast to classical methods, the PDM is universally applicable to all elements in principle. Both approaches can be used to certify the purity (expressed as mass fraction of the main element) of a high-purity material. This is where the metrological need of National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) for analytical methods meet the challenges of analytical methods. In terms of methods, glow discharge mass spectrometry (GMDS) with sufficient uncertainties for sufficiently small impurity contents is particularly noteworthy for the certification of primary transfer standards (PTS), and isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS), which particularly benefits from PTS (back-spikes) with small uncertainties, is particularly noteworthy for the application. The corresponding relative uncertainty which can be achieved using the PDM is very low (< 10−4). Acting as PTS, they represent the link between the material aspect of the primary calibration solutions and the immaterial world of the International System of Units (SI). The underlying concepts are discussed, the current status of implementation is summarised, and a roadmap of the necessary future activities in inorganic analytical chemistry is sketched. It has to be noted that smaller measurement uncertainties of the purity of high-purity materials not only have a positive effect on chemical measurements, but also trigger new developments and findings in other disciplines such as thermometry or materials science.