1. Role of Standards
Introduction

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

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

8. 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.