2. Understanding where we come from

Today's generations of metrologists and experts (post-2000) involved in the use of measuring instruments believe (or are persuaded!) that these practices of calibration or periodic verification of measuring instruments were imposed following the publication of the ISO 9000 series of quality standards, i.e. in 1987. However, this is not the case. In particular, since the early 1960s, French companies working in the aeronautical industry have had programs for the calibration and periodic verification of measuring instruments, the aim of which was to guarantee the quality of the measurements carried out, in particular to ensure the conformity of manufactured products to customer specifications. In fact, ISO 9000 standards haven't invented anything in the field of metrology, they've just made the notion of quality fashionable!

It's also worth noting that these pioneering...