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Publications and IT | KCDB | JCRB | Quality System | Liaison with ILAC and ISO |
Publications and Information Technology
The arrangements with the IOPP to manage much of the production process for Metrologia continue to work well and we now also have a planned programme of special issues reaching out for the next three years. The main event of the year was, however, the launch of the new BIPM website. We have already had a very positive response to the new version and the links provided to the various databases managed by the BIPM. As with many other organizations, the website is our main interface with external users, and we have taken full advantage of the functionality to use it for all papers related to meetings and to the publication of the relevant reports.
In Information Technology, the main server was replaced last year and now offers better performance. In addition, we have introduced a more sophisticated firewall system and enhanced virus protection.
The BIPM key comparison database (KCDB)
The work on the KCDB continues as before with the regular updating of Appendix B with reports of key and supplementary comparisons. Some 570 comparisons are now in the database and approximately one new comparison report arrives each week.
The CMC data in Appendix C continue to expand and we are continually checking input data against the JCRB rules and procedures. Modifications to the way in which electricity CMCs were specified have resulted in a simpler and more compact way of specifying uncertainties and the information behind the CMC statement. A particularly important task will be to make sure that CMCs arrive with a statement that they comply with Quality Systems reviewed by the relevant RMO committee. This assumes greater importance now that the CIPM MRA transition period is at an end.
The KCDB is aimed at external users in NMIs, companies and regulators and so requires continual modification to reflect the needs of users. No major restructuring was needed in 2003-2004, however several small but significant modifications were needed to increase the functionality and utility of the site for users and those in the RMOs who are responsible for CMC submissions. The internal processes have also been formalized in procedures within the BIPM Quality System, and the KCDB recently passed the internal review.
We are now beginning to promote the KCDB to new users. At the moment, such activity is relatively low key, but several presentations have been made at relevant meetings, and we launched a KCDB Newsletter in June 2004.
Joint Committee of the Regional Metrology Organizations and the BIPM (JCRB)
From its first meeting in 2003, the JCRB has paid particular attention to actions related to the end of the CIPM MRA transition period. RMOs were asked to submit a report on their review and acceptance of Quality Systems in participating NMIs, by 5 April 2004. Discussions on these reports at the 12th meeting of the JCRB, held in Querétaro (Mexico), in May 2004, resulted on a deadline of 31 December 2004 for completion of all Quality System implementations. After this date, all published CMCs that are not supported by a Quality System reviewed and accepted by its RMO and the JCRB will be deleted from Appendix C. A workshop is being planned for 30 September 2004, where the BIPM will present its Quality System and RMOs will make presentations on their procedures to review the Quality Systems of their member NMIs.
With the CMC submissions in thermometry and time and frequency currently undergoing inter-regional reviews, all metrology areas are now participating in the MRA. It is foreseen that after the May 2005 meeting the JCRB activities will become more routine and it may be necessary to reassess the convenience of meeting twice a year.
Quality System
The first milestone for the introduction of a Quality System compatible with ISO/IEC 17025 has been achieved as planned at the end of 2003, and all measurement services which issue a calibration certificate, including supporting measurement services, have now been internally audited and peer reviewed. In 2004, the KCDB and the Time section were added to the system. The calculation of TAI and the distribution of a stable reference frequency were both successfully audited internally and externally, whereas the KCDB has only been subject to an internal audit. The second round for the yearly internal audits has started.
The 2003 management review gave rise to some action points but concluded that so far the introduction of the system had been very successful.
Liaison with ILAC and ISO
During the last year, it has become evident that we need to maintain a closer liaison with ILAC and ISO. In particular, we have begun an open exchange of information with ISO and now are represented at the major meetings of the REMCO and CASCO committees. The BIPM now also takes a more active role in a number of ISO working groups, namely on vocabulary, quality in metrology and accreditation issues. The aim is to represent the Metre Convention's position vis-à-vis ISO activity, and to alert NMIs and others on any work at ISO which may have an impact on them or the activities of the Convention.
We have also set up a formal joint working group with ILAC in support of the BIPM-ILAC Memorandum of Understanding. The group met in March 2004 at the BIPM. As a result, both organizations will prepare a joint paper on fundamental issues concerning traceability to the SI, and the national and regional roles and responsibilities of NMIs and NABs, reflecting changes in these roles which arise especially from economic pressures. This close collaboration between the two organizations is aimed at dealing with a number of practical issues aimed at improving the effectiveness and transparency of "national measurement systems" which combine the responsibilities of NMIs and accredited laboratories.
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