Industry standards are rules followed by most members of an industry, ranging from plug size to manufacturing processes. Standards benefit consumers and manufacturers by providing a basic quality standard and interchangeable parts. Organizations such as ANSI set standards with input from industry representatives and consumers. Repair businesses benefit from industry standards, and companies can submit products for inspection and certification.
Industry standards are procedural and technical rules generally followed by most members of an industry. Compliance with the standards is voluntary, to varying degrees; for example, following the standard may be optional, but it may be impossible to sell products that are not made to a standard. Some health and safety codes adopt procedures and use them as a basic standard for product safety and quality. Numerous organizations set and enforce industry standards around the world.
Some industry standards are international and reflect the global nature of the business community. Others may be national or extend to several closely associated countries such as members of the European Union. Standards can range from agreements on plug size and shape to the generally accepted manufacturing process. One benefit of standardization is access to interchangeable parts and a basic quality standard that consumers can rely on when purchasing products from a particular industry.
Organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) set standards with input from industry representatives and consumers. Many national organizations have a connection with an international partner, allowing companies to do things like agree on film sizes for cameras so people can buy film anywhere in the world. Using standard shapes and sizes for equipment components can benefit the manufacturing community and customers alike by simplifying the production of parts and products.
People in the repair business also benefit from industry standards. Knowing what to expect from certain products can enable people to diagnose and fix problems much quicker. They will also have instant access to parts for repair and maintenance, rather than having to order or fabricate parts for a custom fit. People like plumbers and electricians rely heavily on building standards and codes to keep their work consistent. Having standard practices allows people to pick up projects in the middle, or repair projects created by someone else, without having to try to understand the methods used by the original worker.
Companies interested in adhering to industry standards can access information from a standards-setting institution. They can also submit products for inspection and certification if they want to assure consumers that their products are made in accordance with the standard. In addition to industry standards, companies may need to meet other requirements, such as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification for electronics, ensuring they do not cause interference and other problems. Consumers may notice a variety of notices and badges on certain products, indicating whether they conform to various standards.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
