The basis for standards activity is simple. A uniform, consistent product or policy (namely, a standard) will enhance quality and reliability. Money is a broad example of standards. So is language. The adoption of a uniform gage standard for railroads in the United States of America was instrumental in developing our industrialized society. The Association of American Railways' recommended practice B9 gage specification (dated 1895) is the oldest active standard in the U.S.
In the U.S., specifications and standards are documents that are created by collaboration. For industry, the activity is volunteer and based on consensus. Standards are usually created by committees of interested parties, which can include members from industry, government and the public. Bob Toth, standards specialist, has identified 632 trade associations, professional and technical societies, and other private sector organizations in the U.S. alone that either develop standards themselves or work with other organizations that do (NIST Special Publication 681).
Standards are written descriptions of the criteria for a specific product, process, test, or procedure that is agreed to by formal processes. ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, acts as the umbrella organization in the U.S. to coordinate standards activities and assure that a thorough and well-balanced procedure is maintained throughout the standards developing process. The principles adhered to are those of openness, due process, and balance.
ANSI can call for participation on the work of creating or revising standards. ANSI may also review a standard and adopt it as an American Standard if it is warranted to be of sufficient interest or importance. ANSI additionally represents the U.S. at the regional and international levels (i.e., participation in the International Organization for Standards, ISO).
Standards are used in manufacturing and commerce. They allow for products that are safe, meet quality requirements, and have consistent results when used correctly. Some things you use that are made or function according to standards include cardboard boxes, toys, electrical devices like computers, and telecommunications.
Standards can be used as a competitive tool, or as a tool for protectionism. However, the global trend in standards is currently towards harmonization, towards developing a single standard for a product, process, or material that will be recognized and accepted internationally. This is an admirable goal, but a difficult one. The standards world is struggling to deal with harmonization and the challenges that it presents.
For more information on standards, please ask Document Center Inc. for a reprint for Claudia Bach's Status of Technical Manual Specifications and Standards column focusing on The Standards Process (the November 1994 issue of the Journal of the Society for Technical Communication). Also of interest are the Procedures for the development and coordination of American National Standards, from ANSI, and Information Technology Standardization: Theory, Process, and Organizations, by Carl Cargill (Digital Press).