As part of the QI-FoKuS initiative we conduct studies on current and fundamental topics in conformity assessment and accreditation. The studies’ basis is formed by our comprehensive surveys of companies and in particular conformity assessment bodies in Germany and internationally. By publishing the results, we contribute to an improved data basis, scientifically sound insights and the identification of trends in the quality infrastructure.

Current study

A new study as part of the QI-FoKuS initiative will investigate the digitalization of conformity assessment bodies in Germany and other countries in Spring 2021.

The digital transformation of the economy (Industry 4.0) and more and more digitalized, networked and complex products and applications are bringing digitalization also into the focus of conformity assessment bodies (CABs). Innovations and new technologies and processes depend on corresponding conformity assessment services. This poses new challenges for testing and calibration laboratories, inspection and certification bodies, and other CABs. At the same time, however, digitalization also offers new opportunities. A new QI-FoKuS study will examine "Digitalization in Conformity Assessment" using an online survey of accredited CABs of all types in Spring 2021. The following topics will be addressed:

• What is the digital maturity level of the CABs?
• What is driving digitalization and what effects are being achieved?
• What hurdles are the CABs encountering?
• What technological trends are emerging?

In addition to CABs in Germany, accredited CABs in other European countries and overseas are also surveyed in cooperation with the national accreditation bodies.

The scientific conceptual design and evaluation are carried out by the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), together with Prof. Knut Blind from the Technische Universität Berlin and Prof. Pavel Castka from the University of Canterbury (New Zealand).

Learn more about the QI-FoKuS initiative

QI-FoKuS – Creating a data pool, identifying trends

Completed studies and results

QI-FoKuS Flyer 2021 (PDF)

• Corona-Monitor
• ISO/IEC 27001

The Covid-19 pandemic is also affecting conformity assessment. In 2020, as part of the
QI-FoKuS Corona Monitor, conformity assessment bodies in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and New Zealand were surveyed about the economic impact of the pandemic and its effects on their ability to work.
more information

New study on the use and impact of ISO/IEC 27001 for information security:

In early 2020, an online survey asked companies of various industries and sizes in Germany about the use and impact of their certified ISO/IEC 27001 information security management system.
more information

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