Smart Metrology is a modern approach to industrial
metrology
Metrology is the scientific study of measurement. It establishes a common understanding of Unit of measurement, units, crucial in linking human activities. Modern metrology has its roots in the French Revolution's political motivation to stan ...
. The name was introduced by Jean-Michel Pou and Laurent Leblond, a French meteorologist and a French statistician. The term was coined in their book, ''La Smart Metrology: De la métrologie des instruments à la métrologie des décisions''.
It was then adopted by Deltamu, a French company providing services in the field of
industrial metrology.
The approach promoted by Smart Metrology applies the exploitation of data and information, including that provided by
big data
Big data primarily refers to data sets that are too large or complex to be dealt with by traditional data processing, data-processing application software, software. Data with many entries (rows) offer greater statistical power, while data with ...
, to implement an approach based on the three pillars of metrology
(
uncertainty
Uncertainty or incertitude refers to situations involving imperfect or unknown information. It applies to predictions of future events, to physical measurements that are already made, or to the unknown, and is particularly relevant for decision ...
,
[JCGM 100:2008, Evaluation of measurement data — Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement, 2008, https://www.bipm.org/utils/common/documents/jcgm/JCGM_100_2008_E.pdf] calibration
In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known ...
and
traceability
Traceability is the capability to trace something. In some cases, it is interpreted as the ability to verify the history, location, or application of an item by means of documented recorded identification.
Other common definitions include the capa ...
) in industrial applications.
Approach
The approach suggested by Smart Metrology is fully framed within the
ISO 9001
The ISO 9000 family is a set of international standards for quality management systems. It was developed in March 1987 by International Organization for Standardization. The goal of these standards is to help organizations ensure that they meet ...
recommendations. Usual metrology is often regarded as a pure cost and is actually not following the ISO 9001 quality standards.
Innovation
Smart Metrology
follows a different approach according to the following steps:
*The measuring equipment is monitored using historical and relevant data to detect whether a doubt exists. If such a doubt exists, the equipment is calibrated.
*The available (''
a priori
('from the earlier') and ('from the later') are Latin phrases used in philosophy to distinguish types of knowledge, Justification (epistemology), justification, or argument by their reliance on experience. knowledge is independent from any ...
'') information is used by applying advanced statistical approaches, such as
Bayesian inference
Bayesian inference ( or ) is a method of statistical inference in which Bayes' theorem is used to calculate a probability of a hypothesis, given prior evidence, and update it as more information becomes available. Fundamentally, Bayesian infer ...
, for monitoring and is used in the decision-making process.
* The calibration intervals were not at fixed intervals.
Smart Metrology and big data
Smart Metrology plays a key role in ensuring the reliability of data in the context of Big Data. This technological paradigm is defined by the ability to collect and store vast volumes of data from diverse sources, and to process them using advanced computing techniques, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In such data-driven environments, the veracity of the data becomes a fundamental requirement. The primary mission of Smart Metrology is to ensure the reliability of measured values, thus enabling accurate and meaningful decision-making. Unlike traditional approaches that focus mainly on compliance with standards, Smart Metrology incorporates risk management and measurement uncertainty as central components of the decision-making process.
Additionally, Smart Metrology promotes the use of ''a priori'' knowledge—previous understanding of the system or entity being measured—to improve the interpretation of measurement results. This approach helps reduce uncertainty and enhances the accuracy of predictions and industrial control systems.
See also
{{Main, Outline of metrology and measurement
*
Dimensional metrology
*
Forensic metrology
*
Quantum metrology
Quantum metrology is the study of making high-resolution and highly sensitive measurements of physical parameters using quantum theory to describe the physical systems, particularly exploiting quantum entanglement and quantum Squeezed coherent s ...
*
Time metrology
Chronometry or horology () is the science studying the measurement of time and timekeeping. Chronometry enables the establishment of standard measurements of time, which have applications in a broad range of social and scientific areas. ''Hor ...
References
Metrology