How to Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Metrology

In honor of the upcoming 150th anniversary of metrology, we’ve discussed a number of measurement-related topics. Specifically, we’ve considered why onsite calibration services matter so much and how the Big Box approach is falling short.

In essence, the old way is dying out as independent service providers get snapped up by giant corporations, but the new way—shoddy service at the hands of those same corporations—just isn’t getting the job done. In honor of the 150th anniversary of metrology, it’s time to discuss a third path: Reliable partnerships with calibration experts on the local level, with national oversight.

It’s the best of both worlds. What’s not to like?

Before we tackle that, though, let’s spend a bit more time considering why the 150th anniversary of metrology is so impactful. What is its history? Is anyone really celebrating it? And how exactly can you leverage this third path to improve your quality management workflow?

We’re so glad you asked.

Metrology: It’s Been a Thing for a While

Although the 150th anniversary of metrology might make it seem as though this concept is a relative newbie, that’s not so. The impulse, at least, has been there for thousands of years.

Check out the timeline:

Is Anyone Really “Celebrating” Metrology?

Now that you’ve brushed up on your history (i.e., learned more than you ever needed to know), here’s a natural follow-up question: Is anyone really celebrating the 150th anniversary of metrology?

Well, yeah… they totally are. Not only is there an *actual* 150th anniversary of metrology, but a century and a half of standardization is definitely something worth noting in the old gratitude journal. Trust us, it’s a big deal that a bushel of fruit no longer has ten different meanings in ten different places. (How would Whole Foods ever do its apple accounting?)

Okay, So What Is the 150th Anniversary of Metrology All About?

In a nutshell, it’s a big celebration of all things measurement, specifically its role in driving progress and change. Standardized weights and measures advance science, streamline engineering, encourage democracy, and are just generally pretty cool.

The International Metrology Day 150th Anniversary, put on by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), is an online and in-person event held May 20 through 22 in Paris and Versailles.

If you can’t be there (so, pretty much everyone), no worries: You can still catch the live stream on May 20 or watch the events of the 21 and 22 as recordings.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter exactly what industry you’re in; calibration still matters. The exactness of measuring instruments has ramifications for all fields, after all. From pressure meter calibration to torque wrench calibration and pipette calibration to the actual calibration tools used to ensure accuracy in everything else, accuracy is everything.

And you shouldn’t have to kill yourself to get it. That’s where the right calibration services come in.

Compliance and Reliability, Right in Town

Not knowing where to turn for calibration is a pickle.

You have to know your instruments work well; otherwise, you’re at regulatory and financial risk. Yet if you can’t call the Big Box providers since they never answer, and the little guys are disappearing fast, thanks to the Big Box beast, then what should you do?

Choose the third option: Accredited Labs.

Our goal? To help you be a confident, proactive quality manager, always audit-ready and in control. We believe in seamless calibration, simple compliance, and an uncomplicated approach to regulations—because it just doesn’t have to be this hard.

We’re celebrating the 150th anniversary of metrology for one basic reason: Because the world believes in simplicity and transparency. You deserve that at work, too.

Are you ready to experience the best of both worlds: The personal service of your local calibration experts and the assurance of Accredited Labs’ industry-leading certifications and resources? All you have to do is reach out to get a quote today.

SOURCES:
(1) https://msc-conf.com/history-of-metrology/
(2) https://www.ancientportsantiques.com/ancient-measures/units-of-measure/
(3) https://www.bipm.org/en/metre-convention
(4) https://www.britannica.com/science/International-System-of-Units