Role of Standards Introduction

History of Standardisation Natural World – Sun, Seasons, etc; Ancient Civilisations – Measurements, Pyramids, town planning, etc; 7th – 17th Centuries – Length, Volume, Weight, Money, etc; Engineering – Eli Whitney: Cotton Gin, Guns – c. 1790’s; Whitworth: Screw Threads, Plane Surfaces – c. 1840’s; Mass Production – Ford Motor Cars, early 20th century

Aims of Standardisation Fitness for Purpose intended Interchangeability of products or services Variety Reduction (e.g. economies of scale) Compatibility between products/systems Health & Safety of Product or Service Environmental Protection & Use of Resources Communication & Understanding Transfer of Technology Removal of Trade Barriers

Benefits of Standardisation Manufacturers: rationalise process, eliminate waste, reduce inventories & costs Customers: assure quality, value for money, avoid/settle disputes Traders: accept/reject basis, minimise delays Technologists: benchmark/start point for R&D, improvement

Attributes of a Standard Level – e.g. department, company, industry, national or international; Subject – e.g. engineering, transport, food, forestry, chemicals, science, IT, management, etc; Aspect – e.g. product or service specification, testing & analysis, labelling, packaging, inspection, etc.

Company Standardisation Product Design; Administration; Sales & Marketing; Purchasing & Materials; Planning & Production; Quality Assurance; Packaging & Dispatch.

Company Standardisation Procedures Commitment to Standardisation; Document Current Practices; Standards Committee/Group; Design & Development; Agreement & Implementation; Monitoring & Audit; Improvement.

Company Standardisation Benefits Standardised solutions to recurring problems; Avoid wasted time & energy; Avoid ad hoc actions; Reduce varieties of tools, materials, components and products used; Keeps knowledge & experience within the company.