QI-Digital goes CIM2025!

The QI-Digital workshop, hosted by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and QI-Digital, marked the first day of the CIM 2025 conference, focusing on metrology in the digital transformation of the international quality infrastructure (QI). Nearly 130 participants gathered to discuss the transition from document-based to data-driven systems, metrology services and QI digital tools for AI, and the role of QI digital services in smart cities and the circular economy.

The panel discussion featured key insights from industry leaders:

Thomas Engel (Siemens) emphasized the need for common digital languages and semantic bases for quality documents. He stressed the importance of separating semantics from implementation, thinking in processes, and the ongoing nature of digital transformation. Engel highlighted the need for Digital Calibration Requests (DCR) and Digital Calibration Certificates (DCC), as well as standardized submodels for groups of quality documents based on common semantics. Thomas emphasized that there are early adopters (top group) and naysayers (bottom group) – so it might be helpful to primarily address the group of people in between (the middle group).

Sami Koskinen (Beamex) pointed out the existence of data bubbles worldwide and the need for smart regulation and standardization. He prioritized patient / customer / sustainability over efficiency, noting that digital transformation will help but won't happen overnight. Sami emphasized the importance of collecting and utilizing QI data for predictive purposes and improving processes.

Michael Mende (Spektra) discussed the introduction of digital processes in their calibration lab and the challenges of digitizing the entire process chain. Mende stressed the importance of education, especially for smaller businesses.

Jens Gayko (DKE) mentioned new use cases emerging from the fourth digital transformation and the need for change management. He suggested rethinking processes at a meta-level and developing semantic dictionaries for central concepts and the asset administration shell. Jens noted that while a global semantic dictionary covering all sectors might not succeed, semantic dictionaries for certain aspects could bring added value.

Other important points: The importance of putting consumers first and considering sustainability and resource footprints, the ongoing nature of digital transformation, with new applications and opportunities continually emerging, the need to re-use existing data for future requirements, even if we're not fully ready to utilize all the data immediately, and finally the importance of early digital education in order to make digital QI understandable and accessible to all.

Overall, the workshop highlighted the complex and evolving nature of digital transformation in quality infrastructure. It emphasized the need for standardization, semantic interoperability, and consumer-focused approaches while acknowledging the challenges of implementation across different industries and company sizes. The discussion underscored the importance of preparing for future developments through data analysis and usage, as the field continues to evolve.

The president of CIM2025 was Martin Milton (Director of Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)), co-Chairs of the Scientific and Technical Committee were Maguelonne Chambon (Director of R&D @ LNE) and Sascha Eichstädt (Head of Unit "Metrology for the Digital Transformation" at Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, PTB).

CIM2025 was located at the EurexpoLyon (Hall 8) and held there simultaneously with the major French Industry Fair GLOBAL INDUSTRIE.

For the CIM2025 Programme see here.

CIM - QI-Digital Workshop Poll:

During our QI-Digital workshop in Lyon, we asked our participants a few questions (see the linked poll file below in the images):

Who are you?

    The answers showed that approximately equal numbers of representatives from national metrology institutes and calibration and quality assurance companies and ten per cent from industry took part.

What does a digital quality infrastructure mean to you?

    The most popular answer was unanimous: TRUST! (see ‘Mindmap’ below).

How great do you estimate the benefits of digital QI for the processes in your organisation?

    Two thirds of all participants estimate that the digitalisation of QI will increase their return on investment by more than ten percent (highest possible value that could be chosen).

What digital tools do you already use?

    An encouraging number of respondents confirmed that they are already trialling DCCs or D-CoCs or DPP and digital nameplates.

What is the biggest challenge in implementing digital QI tools like the DCC from your perspective?

    A lack of dedicated IT staff. Also mentioned: A lack of vision on the part of decision-makers.

What significance does the Digital Product Passport (DPP) have for you?

    More than half of the participants said that the DPP will be very relevant for them, but less than 20% said that their companies are well or very well prepared for the DPP.

Will AI be relevant for your company/organisation in the future?

    97 percent of all participants stated that AI will be somewhat to very relevant for their organisations/companies in the future.

Do you feel well prepared for the introduction of AI in your company/organisation?

    Most stated that they feel quite well prepared for the introduction of AI in their organisations/companies.