Frequently Asked Questions - Standardization

1. What is standardization?
   Standardization is an activity which serves to provide solutions for repetitive application to problems in order to achieve the optimum degree of order in a given context. Generally, standardization is the development, issuing and application of standards in order to produce higher quality products and services.
   
   Standardization can include the following activities:
   • Research and drafting of a standard
   • the consensus committee development process for a standard
   • the approval and declaration of the standard
   • the publication of standards
   • the application of standards by businesses, suppliers and customers;
   • conformity assessment of products to a particular standard
   • the accreditation of organizations
   • the certification of products
   • the testing of products
     
2. What is a standard?
   A Standard is a document developed, through a consensus process by the relevant stakeholders and has been approved by a standardizing body and is available to the public.
   
   It can contain technical specifications or other precise criteria to be used consistently as rules, guidelines or definitions of characteristics, to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.
   
   Standards may include product specifications, test methods, classifications and recommended practices. Some standards may be safety oriented to reduce the risk of personal injury, establish performance levels for a particular product or address social concerns, as in the case of the environment.
   
3. What are voluntary and compulsory standards?
   Standards generally represent minimum levels of acceptability and are voluntary. Even if a standard is not compulsory, many organizations comply in order to demonstrate their commitment to quality, performance or safety. However, where the subject matter impinges directly on the health and safety of the user or the environment, they may be compulsory. The government can also make some standards mandatory by referencing them legislatively or through regulations.
   
4. What are elements of a standard?
   Standards are varied in character, subject and medium. The content of a standard will vary according to the level of detail required for specificity
   
   It may specify the tasks that a certain range of equipment must be able to perform, or describe in detail an apparatus and it safety features.
   
   It may contain diagrams, symbols, codes, test methods as well as definitions. It may describe systems, characteristics or methods of preparing documents.
   
   It may also address issues such as the qualification of technical staff, quality control and specifications.
   
5. How is a Standard developed?
   The basic stages for the development of a standard are as follows:
   • Identification of the need for a new standard
   • Research and preparation of a draft
   • Establishment of a Specification Committee
   • Committee meetings and consensus building on the draft
   • Public comment on the draft standard
   • Consensus on the draft standard
   • Approval of the draft standard
   • Publication of the standard
   • Periodic review of the standard
     
     Click here for more on the standard development process
     
6. What are some of the benefits of standards?
   Standards:
   • Set the level of quality, thereby allowing products to be evaluated and compared
   • Streamline production and improve manufacturing processes
   • Increase productivity and enhance efficiency.
   • Reduce costs for consumers.
   • Provide the basis for trade transactions.
   • Minimize waste
   • Ensures safety and performance
   • Ensure that products and services perform their necessary functions
   • Facilitate interchangeability of products and services designed for the same purpose