Standards & Standardization Process

Standards- are documented agreements resulting from the consensus and approval of
recognized bodies. Their aim is to achieve an optimal degree of order in a given context, via
technical specifications. These specifications may be rules, guidelines, or definitions.
Standards ensure that materials, products, processes, and services are fit for their purpose.
Standardisation- is the process of issuing, formulating, and implementing standards.
Standards can be normative, which show how to comply to standards, or informative, provide
useful or interesting information that offer help in understanding concepts.
Standards can be:
Global/International- These are standards developed through consensus of experts from various
countries and approved and published by a globally recognized body, e.g ISO (International
Organization for Standardization).
Regional- Standards having great influence in some parts/ regions of the world. E.g The EU
has European Standardisation Organisations whose standards are developed specifically for
EU member states taking into account the specific needs, dynamic and conditions of member
states. This can be beneficial at setting higher norms that globalised ones.
National- A Government agency is responsible for standards in a specific country. In Mauritius
MSB(Mauritius Standards Bureau)
Mandatory standards- Those are legally binding, must be ratified, and enforced by laws and
regulations.
Voluntary standards- Not legally binding, and those in question may choose to adopt if wanted.
Standardization Process
There are 4 basic elements in the standardization process:
1) Preparing: This phase involves the initial planning and groundwork for the
standardization process. Key activities may include identifying the need for a standard,
establishing the scope and objectives, assembling a team or committee responsible for
standard development, and conducting a gap analysis to understand existing practices.

2) Supplying: The supplying element focuses on the creation of the actual standard.
During this phase, experts and stakeholders collaborate to define technical
specifications, guidelines, and requirements that the standard will encompass. This
stage involves drafting, reviewing, and refining the standard documents.

3) Application: The application phase centres around how the standard will be used in
practical scenarios. This includes identifying potential users and stakeholders,
considering their specific needs and requirements, and ensuring that the standard
addresses real-world challenges effectively. Input from end-users and industry
stakeholders is crucial during this stage.
 4) Implementation: Implementation is the stage where the standard is put into action.
This involves making sure that the industry, organization, or relevant parties adopt and
adhere to the standard. Implementation may require education and training, compliance
assessments, and the development of tools or processes to support the use of the
standard in practice.
International standards are built with the same main 4 elements in addition to the following:
Proposal Stage:
The standardization process typically begins with a proposal from a national standards body,
an industry organization, a government agency, or other stakeholders. The proposal outlines
the need for a new standard or the revision of an existing one.
Preparatory Stage:
ISO's Technical Management Board (TMB) reviews the proposal and decides whether to
proceed with the development of a new standard or the revision of an existing one.
If approved, a technical committee or subcommittee is established to work on the standard.
This committee is responsible for overseeing the standard's development.
Development Stage:
The technical committee or subcommittee begins the actual development of the standard. This
stage involves research, drafting, and extensive discussions among experts from various
countries and industries.
Working groups may be formed to address specific aspects of the standard.
Committee Draft (CD) Stage:
A Committee Draft is prepared and circulated among the committee members for review and
comments.
During this stage, comments and suggestions are collected and considered, and revisions to the
draft are made as necessary.
Draft International Standard (DIS) Stage:
The Committee Draft is further refined and developed into a Draft International Standard
(DIS).
The DIS is circulated to ISO member countries for a formal voting process. Each member body
can either approve the DIS, disapprove it, or submit comments for further consideration.
Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) Stage:
If the DIS is approved, or if comments received are resolved, a Final Draft International
Standard (FDIS) is prepared.
The FDIS is again circulated to ISO member countries for a final vote. During this stage, only
minor editorial changes are allowed.
Publication Stage:
If the FDIS is approved by a two-thirds majority of ISO member countries, it is published as
an ISO standard.
Maintenance Stage:
After publication, standards are periodically reviewed and, if necessary, revised to ensure they
remain up-to-date and relevant.
ISO technical committees are responsible for maintaining and revising standards as needed.
It's important to note that ISO's standardization process is based on consensus-building,
meaning that decisions are made through discussions, compromise, and agreement among
participating experts and member countries. This ensures that ISO standards represent a
balanced and widely accepted approach to various subjects across industries and sectors.
Impact of standards on the life of human beings (Types of Standards that exists and their
function)
Standards have a profound impact on human life in various ways, as they help ensure safety,
quality, interoperability, and efficiency in a wide range of products, services, and processes.
1) Safety: Standards play a critical role in ensuring the safety of products and systems.
For example, safety standards for automobiles, electrical appliances, and industrial
machinery help minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Standards also exist for
personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring the safety of workers in various
industries.
2) Healthcare: In the healthcare sector, standards are essential for the development and
manufacturing of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare facilities. Standards
help guarantee the effectiveness, quality, and safety of medical treatments and
equipment, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
3) Food and Water Safety: Standards for food production, storage, and distribution
ensure that the food we consume is safe and meets quality standards. Water quality
standards are crucial for ensuring the safety of drinking water and the protection of
public health.
4) Environmental Protection: Environmental standards address issues such as air
quality, water pollution, and emissions from industrial processes. These standards help
protect the environment, reduce pollution, and promote sustainability, benefiting both
human health and the planet.
5) Consumer Products: Standards for consumer products, such as electronics, toys, and
clothing, help ensure product safety and reliability. They also facilitate product
compatibility, making it easier for consumers to use and enjoy various goods.
6) Trade and Commerce: International standards, such as those developed by
organizations like ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and IEC
(International Electrotechnical Commission), facilitate global trade by harmonizing
technical requirements and reducing barriers to commerce. They ensure that products
and services can be easily exchanged across borders.
7) Quality of Life: Standards contribute to the overall quality of life by promoting
efficiency and reliability. For example, energy efficiency standards for appliances
 reduce energy consumption, saving consumers money and reducing environmental
impact. Similarly, construction standards lead to more comfortable and durable homes.
8) Innovation: Standards can drive innovation by providing a common foundation upon
which new technologies and products can be built. They foster competition and allow
businesses to focus on creating innovative features within established frameworks.
Why industries use standards (Also includes functions)
1) Quality Assurance: Standards define specific quality criteria and requirements for
products, services, and processes. By adhering to these standards, industries can ensure
that their offerings meet established quality benchmarks, leading to increased customer
satisfaction and trust.
2) Safety: Standards provide guidelines for the design, production, and operation of
products and systems, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and hazards.
3) Efficiency: Standardized processes and procedures help industries streamline
operations, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. By following established standards,
companies can optimize resource utilization, minimize errors, and lower production
costs.
4) Market Access: Many industries operate in global markets. Adhering to international
standards can open doors to international trade and market access. It ensures that
products or services comply with the technical requirements of various countries,
making them more exportable. Ease of doing business
5) Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Industries often face regulatory requirements, and
standards can help them meet these legal obligations. By aligning with relevant
standards, companies can demonstrate compliance with industry-specific regulations,
reducing the risk of legal issues and penalties.
6) Risk Management: Standards can help identify and mitigate risks in various industries.
7) Customer Expectations: Customers often expect products and services to meet certain
standards. Companies that adhere to these expectations can gain a competitive
advantage by demonstrating their commitment to quality and safety. Good public
image.
8) Environmental Responsibility: Environmental standards help industries reduce their
environmental footprint. Companies that adopt eco-friendly practices in line with
standards can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and meet sustainability
goals.
9) Consistency and Reliability: Standardized processes and specifications ensure
consistency and reliability in the production of goods and delivery of services. This
consistency builds trust among consumers and partners.
Examples of Sustainability Standards:
Sustainability standards are guidelines and criteria designed to promote environmentally and
socially responsible practices within various industries. They help organizations reduce their
environmental impact, promote ethical conduct, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System): It provides a framework for
organizations to establish and maintain an effective environmental management system. It
helps companies identify and mitigate environmental impacts, reduce resource consumption,
and improve overall environmental performance.
Cost implications in the implementation of ISO 14001:
Initial Certification Costs:
These costs include expenses related to obtaining initial ISO 14001 certification from a
certification body. They may involve certification audits, documentation development, and
consulting fees (if you choose to use a consultant).
Documentation and Training:
Developing and maintaining the required documentation, including policies, procedures, and
records, can incur costs. Training employees and management on ISO 14001 requirements and
EMS implementation may also require investments in terms of training materials and
instructors.
Internal Resources:
Allocating internal staff to work on ISO 14001 implementation is a significant cost factor. This
includes dedicating time and effort to conduct environmental audits, risk assessments, and
other activities related to EMS development.
Technology and Software:
Implementing ISO 14001 may require the use of environmental management software or
information systems to track data, monitor environmental performance, and manage
documentation. Costs for software licenses, hardware, and system maintenance should be
considered.
Compliance Costs:
ISO 14001 may lead to changes in processes or practices to meet environmental objectives.
These changes may incur costs for equipment upgrades, pollution control measures, or changes
in materials and suppliers.
Monitoring and Data Collection:
Implementing ISO 14001 often requires monitoring and data collection related to
environmental aspects and impacts. Costs may be associated with data collection equipment,
sensors, and data analysis tools.
Employee Time and Engagement:
Employees at various levels will need to dedicate time and effort to environmental
management, training, and participation in EMS activities. These opportunity costs should be
considered.
ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility):
Provides guidance on social responsibility, addressing issues such as human rights, labour
practices, environmental responsibility, and fair business practices. It helps organizations
integrate ethical considerations into their operations.
It serves as a valuable framework for implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR)
CSR as outlined by ISO26000, can be implemented by using the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-
Act) used for continuous improvement.
Plan (Understanding and Commitment)
This involves identifying stakeholders, determining relevant social responsibility issues, and
setting objectives and targets related to CSR.
Do (Implementation)
The "Do" phase involves implementing CSR actions and initiatives based on the plans
developed in the first phase. This includes integrating CSR principles into organizational
policies, procedures, and practices, via the establishment of management systems.
Check (Monitoring and Measurement)
It involves monitoring and measuring the performance of CSR initiatives and practices.
Organizations assess whether they are achieving their CSR objectives and targets and gather
data on the impact of their actions and make reports.
Act (Continuous Improvement)
Review the results of their monitoring and measurement efforts. Corrective actions and system
reforms are made if required based on monitoring and measurement findings.
ISO 50001 (Energy Management System): Sets standards for energy management systems,
helping organizations improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and minimize their
environmental impact through better energy use.
ISO 31000- Risk Management (Not a Sustainability standard)
ISO 31000 is an international standard that provides guidelines and principles for risk
management. It is titled "ISO 31000:2018 - Risk Management - Guidelines" and is intended to
help organizations establish and implement effective risk management processes. ISO 31000
is not specific to any industry or sector and is applicable to organizations of all types and sizes.
It also works on the PDCA cycle:
Plan (Understanding Risk Assessment)
Designing a framework for managing risk by considering the following:
 Understanding the organization and its context
 Risk Management policy
 Integration into organizational processes
 Accountability
 Resources
 Establishing internal/external communication and reporting systems
Do (Implementation of Risk Management)
It involves implementing actions and processes to achieve the objectives set in the "Plan"
phase. Implementing framework and risk management process.
Check (Monitoring and Review)
For risk management, this phase involves ongoing monitoring of risk exposure and the
effectiveness of risk controls.
Act (Continuous Improvement)
Continual improvement of the framework.
Reluctance to adopting voluntary standards despite numerous benefits.
1) Cost of Implementation
2) Resource Constraints: Companies may lack the necessary resources, both in terms of
personnel and expertise, to effectively implement and maintain standards. Compliance
can be resource-intensive, and not all organizations are adequately equipped. (Lack of
human resources)
3) Lack of Awareness: Some companies may not be aware of the existence or relevance
of certain standards to their industry or operations. This lack of awareness can result in
missed opportunities for improvement.
4) Complexity: Standards can be complex, especially those that involve technical
specifications or detailed requirements. Companies may be hesitant to navigate this
complexity, especially if they lack in-house expertise.
5) Competing Priorities: Organizations often face a multitude of competing priorities, and
voluntary standards may not be considered a top priority in a crowded agenda.
6) Resistance to Change: Implementing standards may require changes to established
practices and cultures within an organization. Employees and management may resist
change, fearing disruptions or unfamiliar processes.
7) Short-Term Focus: Companies with a strong short-term focus may prioritize immediate
financial returns over longer-term benefits. The advantages of standards are often
realized over time and may not align with short-term financial goals.