Sensor systems testing and validation aim to confirm that the data provided by the system meet the purpose defined by the applicant. Assisting, in this way, milk recording organisations, external databases, and other interested parties to decide on the use and usability of data from the sensor system. Section 11 of the ICAR Guidelines details the rules, standards and recommendations for testing, validation and periodic checking of sensor systems. The full text of Section 11 may be found here.
The procedure to obtain ICAR certification is:
- The applicant submits a test* application form.
- The application is reviewed, and the Test Centre is designated.
- The Test Centre prepares the test plan, detailing the timeline and associated costs.
- ICAR provides the applicant with an umbrella contract and invoice for test fees, along with the test plan.
- Testing begins upon signing of the contract by the applicant and full payment of the test fees.
- Upon test completion, ICAR disseminates the report to the MRSD Sub-Committee for review, comments, and recommendations.
- ICAR forwards the report to the applicant and issues the official ICAR Certificate upon successful completion of the test.
- The certified device/system is listed on the ICAR website.
*The application form should be accompanied by the requested documentation:
- Clear description of all components of system – ID, components, software, etc.
- System technical manual
- Farm operator manual
- Internal research and validation studies
- Peer reviewed publications
- Software manual for use of the system devices
- Installation procedure
- Routine test or periodic checking procedures for service technicians
- Technical characteristics, drawings and 2D/3D pictures of the device
For technical information, please contact Mr. Steven Sievert, Chair of the ICAR MRSD Sub-Committee, at sjsievert@dhia.org or at +1 608 444 1285.
The ICAR Secretariat contacts are:
Process issues:
Andie Dimitriadou
andie@icar.org
Tel.: +39 334 8420774
Contracts and payments:
Yvonne de Gier
yvonne@icar.org
Tel. +31 6 4842 9118