Automated evaluation of a key comparison on gauge blocks applying the digital calibration certificate (DCC) and digital metrological expert (DME)

Abstract This article provides a demonstration of the capabilities of the digital metrological expert (DME) in facilitating the evaluation of interlaboratory comparison results, for the first time in the field of dimensional measurements. Using the example case of gauge blocks, it is shown how data provided by the digital calibration certificate (DCC) XML schema enable the automated evaluation of the comparison based on machine-interpretable data formats. Therefore, a simulated interlaboratory comparison with artificial gauge block measurement results acts as a proof-of-principle test to assess the combination of DCC and DME close to practice. Applying automated statistical analyses, including the calculation of reference values, degrees of equivalence, and detection of outliers at a level of significance of 5 %, the DME allows for the assessment of different evaluation methods to select suitable approaches. Compared to the usual practice of a (semi-)manual evaluation of intercomparisons carried out by human experts, the key benefits include reduced time and effort, consistency in results, and the potential prevention of human errors. The demonstration paves the way for easy adaptation to similar use cases.