Metrology and Measurement Technology

The metrology and measurement technology sector ensures the accuracy and traceability of measurements – a foundation for industry, research, regulation and global trade. Accreditation ensures that calibrations and tests are reliable, comparable and internationally recognised, creating trust, safety and fairness for the public, businesses and public authorities.

© Adobe Stock

Overview

Metrology – the science of measurement – and measurement technology permeate every area of daily life and the economy. Nearly every transaction and every action in our technical environment is based on measurements. Metrology ensures the accuracy and traceability of measurements, which are essential for industry, research and regulation.

This sector establishes the foundations that allow products to be compared, interchanged and used safely across the world. It enables precise measuring instruments, standardised testing procedures and harmonised international cooperation.

The sector covers topics including physical measurement quantities, electrical, optical and acoustic measurement quantities, force, pressure and torque, ionising radiation, calibration and testing, measuring equipment and instruments, environmental simulation, and destructive and non-destructive testing.

Role of accreditation

Accreditation ensures that calibration and testing laboratories operate competently and that measurement results are reliable, traceable and internationally comparable. This is important for product quality, testing activities and compliance with statutory requirements.

Independent assessments verify the correctness of measurement results, including measurement uncertainties, enabling reliable statements of conformity and avoiding the additional costs and conflicting results that can arise from repeat testing at different bodies.

Accreditation confirms that measurement quantities such as the metre, kilogram or hertz are traceable to national and international reference standards – such as SI units – and are internationally comparable.

Importance for the public, businesses and public authorities

Measurable, traceable results create trust and safety worldwide. For the public, reliable metrology means protection and fairness – in health, product safety and everyday life.

Thanks to accredited measurements and calibrations, standardised and certified components from different sources fit together precisely, underpinning global trade, technical innovation and consumer protection. Businesses benefit from efficient trading relationships, international standardisation and fair conditions of competition.

Types of accreditation offered