Standards frequently asked questions

  • Are standards only relevant to large businesses?
    Standards address quality, efficiency and best practice, which are pivotal for both small firms and larger companies. They create competitive advantage, inspire trust and reduce business cost while opening markets. Start-ups can benefit from these factors just as much as established firms.
  • Are standards only for products?
    There are a great many standards that ensure the quality, compatibility and safety of a vast selection of manufactured goods. However, there are also many standards that have a similarly positive influence on service provision and business management. Go to Sectors & Services to find out more about standards for your industry sector.
  • Will I have to pay more when a standard is upgraded?
    Standards are sometimes revised to reflect new practices, which might mean investing to comply with the latest version. Where compliance is voluntary, some users decide that an older version of a standard is still sufficient for their business needs, however it is always advisable to invest in the most up-to-date version.
  • How much time and effort will it take to introduce a standard to my business?
    All that is necessary is to purchase the most appropriate standard, then to implement it in all relevant areas of operation. For added authority, compliance can then be independently verified. In some cases, this stage may be mandatory.
  • Do standards inhibit innovation?
    Standards are able to promote innovation by defining performance without compromising intellectual property. Where interoperability is a key factor, standards serve to promote knowledge sharing and network benefits, enabling greater innovation.
  • Do we really need standards if we have the best solution already?
    It is not always enough to have the 'best' technological solution. Standardization creates customer confidence, market growth and technological evolution. This allows effective and profitable competition through such factors as product differentiation.
  • Can I have a say in the content of standards?
    Anyone who is affected by a standard can have a say in its content. Representatives from government, society at large and businesses of all sizes determine the contents of standards.
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Standards

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