On October 25, an engaging digitalization kick-off workshop brought together colleagues from national metrology institutes and national accreditation bodies from the Eastern Partnership countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Moreover, other colleagues from Asia, participating in the ADAPT project, joined the workshop as eager listeners. This virtual gathering aimed to facilitate the exchange of insights, experiences, and best practices regarding digitalization within the field. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the need for digital transformation has become increasingly evident across various industries. This need is particularly pronounced in the field of metrology and accreditation, where precision and quality assurance are paramount.
The workshop featured distinguished experts in digitalization processes in metrology and accreditation, including Sascha Eichstädt and Catharina Kulka-Peschke from PTB, and Wolfgang Breidenstein and Susanne Kuch from the German accreditation body DAkkS. Their informative presentations provided valuable input and set the stage for discussions among participants. The primary goal of the workshop was to create a platform for attendees to discuss current developments, identify the status quo, recognize existing needs and challenges, and explore potential synergies between institutions.
One of the most valuable aspects of the workshop was the opportunity for each Eastern Partnership country institution to share presentations on the latest developments related to digitalization within their respective institutes. These presentations allowed for the exchange of experiences, the sharing of best practices, and the dissemination of crucial tips. One key takeaway was the understanding that digitalization is a gradual process that must be approached step by step.
During the discussions, participants recognized several primary goals and benefits associated with digitalization. Improved customer satisfaction emerged as a priority, along with the reduction of operating costs and the streamlining of bureaucratic processes. However, the participants also identified a significant challenge: a lack of awareness about digitalization issues on the customer side. Overcoming this hurdle will be essential for a successful digital transformation.
Funding and staff acceptance were identified as crucial elements for ensuring the success of a digital transformation. In the complex world of metrology and accreditation, where precision and reliability are of utmost importance, it is vital that stakeholders understand that digitalization is a long-term investment with the potential for substantial payoffs. The virtual workshop offered a platform for institutions to learn from one another, share experiences, and collectively work towards a more efficient and digitally empowered future. The journey towards digitalization in metrology and accreditation may be challenging, but it’s a path worth pursuing for the countless benefits it offers to both institutions and their customers.
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