DIGITAL LOGISTICS AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT FOR CALIBRATION EQUIPMENT IN ENERGY PROJECTS

Abstract

Calibration equipment is mobile, sensitive, costly, and shared across laboratories and project sites. Insufficient control over its identity, location, calibration status, transport condition, custody, accessories, and return schedule can delay commissioning, result in unnecessary purchases, and expose energy projects to invalid measurements. This structured review investigates how digital logistics and inventory management enhance the availability, traceability, and lifecycle control of calibration equipment. Thirty publications from 2020 to 2025 were synthesised using PRISMA 2020 principles. The evidence demonstrates that radio-frequency identification, barcodes, Internet of Things sensors, mobile workflows, digital calibration certificates, cloud platforms, digital twins, analytics, and selective blockchain services can establish a reliable chain of custody from laboratory release to field use and return. The main benefits include improved visibility, reduced identification errors, enhanced status control, more accurate forecasting, faster dispatch, and stronger audit evidence. The principal risks involve inaccurate master data, metal-related RFID interference, fragmented interfaces, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, excessive automation, and insufficient governance of exceptions. This paper outlines a six-layer traceable asset-control framework encompassing asset identity, metrological status, physical visibility, logistics execution, inventory intelligence, and governance, and presents a phased roadmap for energy projects. The review concludes that digital inventory management should not treat calibration instruments as ordinary warehouse items. Each item must be managed as a measurement asset whose location, condition, configuration, traceability, and authorised use remain connected throughout its functioning lifecycle.