World Metrology Day on 20 May 2022 commemorated the day when, in 1875, the Treaty of the Meter was signed by representatives of 17 nations who agreed on one uniform measurement system – a global system for common measurements, based on constants of nature.
Over the years, this system has been adjusted and adapted to changes in technology. Throughout the first three industrial revolutions, metrologists have been able to become more and more precise with their measurements, which helps technology continue to advance. The digital era, or the fourth industrial revolution, is no different. Metrology plays a huge role in IoT (Internet of Things) technology and digitalisation. Indeed, the theme for this year’s World Metrology Day was ‘Metrology in the Digital Era’.
Over the last couple of years, top metrologists from all around the world have been collaborating on building this system that allows for a seamless transition, from digital calibration, to certificates from the calibration laboratory, to the end-customer.
The digital arena is moving more toward digital certificates. Typically, certificates are very long (up to 20 pages of data) and people have had to make a spreadsheet in order to look at what the instrument is doing over time. This is a cumbersome process, so today, when a Fluke certificate is produced, there are only three things that happen:
1. Fluke prints a paper certificate, just like before.
2. A searchable PDF is provided.
3. An XML file is created with all the data, which can easily be imported into Microsoft Excel or other tools for people to analyse their devices.
A digital repository of all this information advances not only the calibration laboratory's access to information, but also enables every downstream process to be digitalised.
Think, for a moment, what the future of metrology will look like… it will not look like it does today, and certainly not like it did in the past. Metrology is really all around us and involves everything we do daily. It might be invisible, or we may be unaware of it, but in reality, measurement and measurement sciences are a part of every act of commerce, our safety, everything around technological advancement, as well as progress.
Visit https://bit.ly/3Mp4qfO to watch a brief ‘Metrology in the Digital Era’ summary video produced by Fluke and its official South African partner, Comtest.
Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...Schneider Electric announces 2023 Global Alliance Partner Programme award winners Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has announced the winners of the 2023 Global Alliance Excellence Awards. Throughout 2023, Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners supported customers in the digitalisation of industrial automation, delivering value with innovative initiatives, solutions and services.
Read more...Custom containerised lubrication dispensing system
News
Bosch Rexroth Africa recently supplied and installed a customised environmentally friendly and dust-proof lubrication dispensing system for a leading earth-moving equipment supplier.
Read more...Siemens to acquire industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst. The business includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the protective extra-low voltage range and innovative motion control systems.
Read more...Bearings International fosters a segment strategy Bearings International
News
Bearings International has a segment approach to the market, which places an intentional focus on key industries in South and sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to optimise operations, enhance uptime, and drive business sustainability and increased profitability outcomes for customers.
Read more...Local robotics team’s journey to the world stage
News
In the heart of Cape Town, a group of young visionaries aged 12 to 17 is making waves in the world of robotics. Known as Texpand, this team from Pinelands has not only dominated the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in South Africa, but has also earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to engineering and problem solving.
Read more...Seaward testers power PV specialists Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
One of Asia’s leading clean energy specialists, Solarvest, uses the latest electrical safety test equipment to ensure the solar photovoltaic (PV) installations it services and maintains operate at peak performance levels.
Read more...RS Group expands by 10 000 products RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has announced its Better World Claims Based Framework, enabling customers to select verified sustainable product alternatives. This provides suppliers with a standardised framework to accelerate the development and manufacture of more sustainable and responsible products.
Read more...IRP 2023 could reset SA’s social and economic problems
News
ACTOM recently held a webinar on the ‘Draft IRP2023 Impact on the Manufacturing Sector’. South Africa’s Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 is a key document that outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing the country’s energy security challenges, while also setting out its transition to a diversified energy mix, including renewables.
printer friendly version