The Digital Reference Material Document: From Paper Certificates to Interoperable Data Objects in Digital Quality Infrastructure

Matthias Prellwitz, Claudia Koch, Silke Richter, Johannes van de Kreeke, Michael Melzer, Mehran Monavari

Abstract

Reference materials (RMs) are essential for traceable and reliable measurements in science and industry, yet their certificate/document remain largely paper-based. The Digital Reference Material Document (DRMD) project at BAM introduces a transformative approach by converting traditional RM certificates/documents into machine-interpretable, XML-based digital assets. Building on the Digital Calibration Certificate framework, DRMDs encode ISO 33401 requirements and integrate semantic standards like D-SI and material identifiers. These digital documents support automated data exchange, integration into laboratory systems, and interoperability e.g. via asset administration shells and data spaces. The paper presents the DRMD schema concept, and outlines the path toward international harmonization and large-scale deployment, positioning DRMDs as a cornerstone of a digital quality infrastructure.

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IMEKO-TC6-2025-067.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc6-2025.067

IMEKO TC

TC6 - Digitalization

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