Simplifying Mass Calibration Evolution in Software Creates Efficient Workflows and Traceable Results

Currently, mass calibration is a time-consuming and complicated process that involves a large amount of data handling, calculations, and administrative steps. Using new software packages, calibration labs worldwide are replacing limited legacy solutions with a previously unheard-of level of calibration efficiency. This is helping operators eliminate manual steps and ensure traceability while simultaneously enhancing fairness in crossborder trade.

Mass calibration is an elaborate, calculation-intensive process. Accuracy requires educated personnel working for long periods of time. In spite of its resource-intensive nature, it is a proposition that international companies must take seriously. Today’s climate of ever-expanding cross-border trade requires accurate balance readings, which in turn require highly accurate mass calibration.

Calibration processes depend on a complex set of steps, including correct referenceweight class and comparator selection. Proper selection requires a complete uncertainty analysis: customer data is entered, certification numbers assigned, and weight setrelated data recorded—perhaps into multiple, often-redundant worksheets or systems. Reference weights themselves must conform to regulations such as OILM R111, NIST HB44, or JJG 99-2006 [1, 2, 3] and be traceable to the international standards.

Correction of physical effects and observation of environmental fluctuations are also crucial to achieving precise measurements, while traceability provides surety and an ability to analyse results for any deviation on an ongoing basis. In short, all aspects of calibration must be conducted with extreme care to make sure reported values are true and accurate.