Research Article

Quality approach towards ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation at the center of analysis and characterization of Marrakesh Cadi Ayyad University: metrology stakes

¹ Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Hassan I University, Settat, Morocco
² Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Hassan I University, Settat, Morocco
³ Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
⁴ Laboratory of Materials, Energy and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
⁵ CIRAD, DGDRS, 34398 Montpellier, France
⁶ Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
⁷ CIRAD, UPR BioWooEB, 34398 Montpellier, France
⁸ BioWooEB, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
⁹ QMP Management, Marrakesh, Morocco
¹⁰ Polytech Angers − LARIS, Angers University, France
¹¹ Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco

^* Corresponding author: marie-france.thevenon@cirad.fr

Received: 21 December 2023
Accepted: 15 September 2024

Abstract

In the context of the European Tempus project “Quality in Higher Agricultural Education in the Mediterranean (QESAMED)”, Analysis and Characterization Center of Cadi Ayyad University has committed to implement a quality approach according to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. The first objective was to accredit the testing carried out in the microbiology laboratory in response to strong demand from the food industry in the Marrakesh region. The process began with an initial assessment of the center activities to identify the main gaps from ISO/IEC 17025. The range of laboratory and standard testing to be accredited were determined and an appropriate action plan was established. After that, a staff training was programmed to improve their skills in relation to this standard and metrology concepts. Implementation of the metrology function is one of the key steps for the deployment of the continuous improvement process. This function guarantees the traceability of measurements and the reliability of microbiological testing results. Several actions have been carried out, including: (i) identification of critical quantities and associated metrological requirements, (ii) checking of the metrological consistency of equipment through the calculation of the capability coefficient. The management of equipment requires several steps, from receipt of the equipment to its decommissioning or reform: (i) identification of the equipment, (ii) creation of equipment files, (iii) performance of calibration, verification, and maintenance operations. Ultimately, the definition of a strategy ensuring metrological traceability will optimize management costs by taking into account the structural constraints linked to the organization of metrology on a national scale.