Dr, Melzer, at the 2024 QI Digital forum, you held a presentation on use of the eAttestation, i.e. the proof of conformity provided with the digital accreditation symbol. What do you see as the key advantages?

Dr. Michael Melzer: The eAttestation, which bears the DAkkS digital accreditation symbol, represents an important development in the digitisation of the quality infrastructure. It not only guarantees the quality and conformity of products and services, it also makes it possible to issue these certificates in a tamper-proof and machine-readable form. This will allow us in future to create paperless and globally applicable chains of evidence that will make trade and the quality infrastructure considerably more efficient.

What makes the digital accreditation symbol such a crucial tool for the digitisation of the quality infrastructure (QI)?

The digital accreditation symbol is a key element because it guarantees the authenticity and integrity of evidence of conformity. In a digital world where manipulation and falsification are becoming easier all the time, the symbol offers a secure method of proving the authenticity of documents beyond doubt. For accredited bodies, for example calibration laboratories, this is essential to creating trust in digital certificates and evidence and therefore establishes the foundation for automated, paperless processes.

You demonstrated use of the eAttestation in specific terms in the BAM demonstrator. Can you give us an idea of how this demonstrator works?

The demonstrator at BAM shows how digital calibration certificates (DCC) can be created, signed and used. We have developed software that digitally maps the entire calibration process. The measurement data is linked to important metadata such as the device type, client and the calibration methods used. This data is then summarised in a digital calibration certificate, to which the digital accreditation symbol is then added. The result is a tamper-proof, machine-readable certificate that can be fully validated digitally and integrated into the client’s processes. For this type of digital calibration certificate within the framework of accreditation, there is no alternative to use of the digital accreditation symbol.

What role does the DCC play in terms of process automation?

The DCC is the first step towards the automation of metrological traceability. It enables the provision of machine-readable and machine-interpretable calibration data, making automation in the use of this data considerably easier or even possible in the first place. User no longer have to transfer the data manually, which minimises sources of error and saves time. According to the National Metrology Institute of Germany (PTB), manual processing of a calibration certificate takes around 45 minutes on average. With the new digital processes, in particular the DCC, almost all of this time can be saved. The DCC makes it possible to integrate calibration certificates into the client’s systems at the touch of a button and process them automatically. This is a decisive advantage for industry, which depends on efficiency, precision and quality.

What does it mean in specific terms for industry and the economy if eAttestations find widespread use?

The benefits for industry and the economy are enormous. On the one hand, the use of eAttestations speeds up processes, because documents can be created, transferred and processed digitally. The manual work previously required for checking, processing and administration of paper-based certificates is no longer needed. Digitisation of the quality infrastructure secures and enhances competitive advantages and forms the basis for innovation. On the other hand, the widespread use of eAttestations creates a flexibility that is essential in particular in a globalised and networked economy, allowing companies around the world to easily exchange certificates of conformity and automate quality assurance.

How do you see this development?

The digitisation of the quality infrastructure opens up completely new possibilities for us. Not only can we speed up processes and make them more efficient, we can also significantly improve security and traceability. In an increasingly dynamic and networked world, this is a decisive competitive advantage. Digital certificates and eAttestations are not just the next logical step, they are a necessary step to promote innovation and at the same time ensure reliable quality standards in digital workflows.

What do you think are the next steps in the development of digital certificates?

I think the next step must be the widespread introduction and acceptance of digital certificates. The DCC and the digital accreditation symbol have already shown that they work, and that they offer significant advantages. What now needs to be done is to establish this technology on a broad basis in the calibration sector and to create the IT infrastructure and international standards required to drive digitisation forward, both in the quality infrastructure and in industry and the economy.

Thank you very much for the interview, Dr. Melzer.