Metrology and Traceability Matters to Ensure Accurate Measurements
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Accuracy requirements for measurements are increasing. Traceability is the proof that a resulting measurement is directly linked to the International System of Units (SI) or another national or international standard. The use of standards is a critical component in the assurance of analytical quality allowing reliable measurements.
Traceability provides evidence that measurements and stated uncertainties relate to known references, substantiating the results. This process ensures the comparability of measurements and enables companies to make informed business decisions.
Metrological traceability requires an unbroken chain of calibrations to stated references, with each link contributing to the total uncertainty.1 (Measurement uncertainty is the formal metrology term for “measurement accuracy.”)
A common question across many industries is, Can you demonstrate traceability? What does it mean, and why are people asking about it?