Problem of applying modern uncertainty concepts to the measurement of instrument-specific parameters

This paper presents a number of problems that occur when applying the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) to modern instruments. These instruments are often automatic, which makes it complicated to evaluate the uncertainty components in each measurement step because it is difficult to control and analyze them. Many of these instruments try to quantify instrument-specific parameters, which are difficult to compare with others that have the same dimension but are measured using other techniques. Often, these parameters lack traceable calibration, which may result in a large uncertainty component. This paper also considers the human aspect of the measurement process.