The new online forum series by EQAsce has been successfully started by its members, network partners and international experts last night. Because there has been a huge interest in the suggested topics, EQAsce has decided to make the first event a double-discussion. The forum was implemented to stay in touch with network- and project partners in the times of corona restrictions. The moderation was done by the two EQAsce-members Dr. Thomas Lettmann and Dr. Lars Dittmann.
The first discussion stressed the fact that audits can be carried out through web-based tools very quickly if it stays within a certain framework. In times of corona-restrictions, this is a particularly important aspect also for enterprises of the agri- and food sector. At the same time, it became clear that remote audits quickly come to boundaries dependent on their (huge) setting. This brought about the question, if actors involved in the audits accept web-based audits as a way to proceed on for a longer time, or if they accept it even now at all.
The second topic, digitalization – and there was a focus on blockchain technology – , was introduced by experts from the Fraunhofer Institute. They gave an overview over the technology and its development. The presentations brought up the question, if proofs can be managed digitally – especially proofs of health conditions, as current news show a need for such possibilities. Data that is written into a blockchain is secure, available at any time and verifiable. The discussion brought up a critical point: That is the question, if there is a need at all for writing personal data into a blockchain to do a good management of certificates?! Another way is to only write some data of a certificate or parts of a contract into the blockchain to have just the data needed for accelerate other processes.
Because of the upcoming summer break and the initiated double discussion, the monthly Forum will not take place in July. The second Online Forum is scheduled for August 2020. All information will be published on the EQAsce-website.
