Air Monitoring
The MCERTS standard for Environmental Data Management Software was published by the Environment Agency in June 2008. It encompasses Environmental Data Management Software for both air and water monitoring applications.
Sira delivers the MCERTS schemes, including MCERTS Software certification, working closely with the Environment Agency (EA) to implement the required legislation
As Mike Healy, Technical Advisor for the EA observed, “Much of the data we receive for regulatory purposes comes via computer applications that store and manipulate raw data. Poor software and data management can seriously affect the quality of the data and inappropriate environmental outcomes may arise.” The MCERTS standard is split into three main sections as follows: Part A – Generic Software Quality Part B – Generic Data Management (performance of the data management application)
Part C – Sector specific (requirements that are additional to those in Part B): Part C1 – CEMS Generic Data Management Part C2 – CEMS EN14181 Data Management Part C3 – Flowmeter Verifiers
Mike Healy comments, “This standard will help ensure we can be confident in the quality of the data used to inform our decision making.”
MCERTS certification of data management software provides benefits to the user, the manufacturer/service provider and the regulator. It is a well established mark of quality, and demonstrates the data management software is fit for purpose. The market has seen a growing interest in the scheme, resulting in several providers of software systems gaining MCERTS approvals.
George Forster, Software Manager of a1 CBISS commented, “Our certified software (CDAS Elite) is a complete data acquisition and reporting system designed to meet requirements of WID, LCPD and EN14181. The certification process (for software) was easy for us as most of the requirements of the standard were being done anyway. We found the auditor very fair and helpful when we needed advice on how best to fill the gaps in our procedures to meet the standard.”
Phil Ely of EHS Data Ltd, remarked: “EHS Data Ltd Provides Monitor-Pro Monitoring Data Management Systems. They have been in use for over 15 years, and now manage data at approaching 1,000 sites worldwide.
“The certification process was very rewarding. It was an ideal opportunity to have all of our systems audited from beginning to end, from coding standards right through to delivery and customer support. The auditor was very thorough, and we were proud that very few improvements were identified. These were easily addressed, and we achieved MCERTS within a very short period, just over two months from start to end. “MCERTS is far more suited to us than quality systems such as ISO9000, because it takes the basic principles of ISO9000 and goes much further
. Whereas ISO9000 would verify that we have adequate quality systems and
an intent to improve, MCERTS verifies that our product actually does what it is claimed to do, and verifies that our programming standards, systems and documentation is all in place and professionally managed. It is the only certification of its kind that we are aware of for environmental data management software worldwide, and so it is key information for organizations’ worldwide who are considering adopting a system such as ours.”
Paul Swindell from Envirosoft Ltd explained, “Earning a coveted place on the list of MCERTS-approved products is an involved process that requires a substantial investment and genuine commitment. We found the certification process was very beneficial and that it was the perfect opportunity to have all of our systems audited thoroughly, from program inception through to delivery and customer support. The certification process itself was well designed, easy to follow, and although we were compliant with many of the requirements of the standard, it was reassuring to know we were moving in the right direction. The auditors were welcoming and helpful, giving advice on how best to fill any gaps in our procedures to meet the standard where required.
“Envirosoft designs, supplies, commissions and supports CEM systems to meet the requirements of the Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD), the Waste Incineration Directive (WID) and EN14181 (QAL3 – CUSUM, Shewhart, EWMA). Our customer base extends worldwide and we were the first UK environmental software company to obtain MCERTS approval.
“The MCERTS process verifies that our software does what it claims to do, and ensures that our programming standards, systems and documentation are in place and professionally managed.”
In March 2011 Nexus Solutions Inc obtained MCERTS certification of their CEMView DAS; “CEMView is an OPC (Open Process Control) application utilizing digital technologies to communicate bi-directionally to new (and legacy) analyzers, making it a progressive solution for both green-field and retro-fit applications. “One proof-positive way to demonstrate CEMS proficiency and DAS software excellence is the UK Environment Agency’
s MCERTS Environmental Data Management software certification. The “full” certification process takes a detailed looks at more than just the product, it assesses the company, the quality control systems and the capability to provide continued (future) support to the end-users of the DAS.
“Nexus’ support of MCERTS Certification should not be taken as advocating compulsory certification of data acquisition software. On the contrary, Nexus affirms that the most innovative CEM DAS systems using the best available technologies will continue to be deployed in markets that are open to innovation and improvement; legislation should not be a tool to discourage the discerning buyer from a particular product if superior performance could be had. Nexus embraces the discerning buyer who seeks independent third-party assessment and benchmarking procedures. The UK end-user should take heart that on your behalf, the EA has instituted a certification procedure for Data Acquisition Software; understand the certification and ask your vendors for proof of full MCERTS Certification.”
Siemens are currently undergoing assessment for their CEM system Manager (CSM). Bob Lane, Business Manager - Process Analytics, has commented; “Siemens CEM System Manager (CSM) is designed to function as an integral part of our PCS-7 process control platform. It will provide emissions reporting functionality in compliance with the Environment Agency performance standard for environmental data management. Siemens has taken the approach of involving SIRA’
s appointed auditor , Farside T echnology, from the very beginning of the specification and development process. We believe that this is the best way to ensure a smooth path to certification.
“We support the MCERTS programme because it establishes a common platform for all manufacturers. It also enables manufacturers and integrators to reassure our customers that they can comply with EN15267 by using MCERTS-approved equipment.”
iii MCERTS for Environmental Data Management Software; from Concept to Compliance
Sira’s MCERTS Software Services
As the only body selected by the EA to operate the MCERTS schemes, Sira provides certification services for organisations that build software systems.
More information about MCERTS (and the MCERTS standard) can be seen at
www.mcerts.net and existing MCERTS certificates and Sira services can be accessed at
www.siraenvironmental.com. Alternatively you can email us at
info@siracertification.com.
Footnote
If you are a manufacturer of MCERTS equipment and would like Sira to feature your product range and the impact MCERTS certification has had to your organisation, please contact Sira at
info@siracertification.com.
Reader Reply Card No. 140 Reader Reply Card No. 141 IET November / December 2011
www.envirotech-online.com
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