Improved Quality - We have a base point from which we can declare a minimum standard and then it is to the competitive advantage of manufacturers or service providers to exceed that in order to gain more customers. Pricing of course plays its part but most people seem to like to say that they brought the better model because…. Rather than confess to having purchased what they really could only afford. This “keeping up with the Jones's” mentality is what drives the credit card industry to ever greater record profits year after year.
Competition - A competitive market-place and economic climate is always to the consumers advantage
Reduced Volatility - Time has shown us over and over again that reputations take years to build and seconds to destroy. Reduced product and/or service volatility in the eyes of your customer will always present in the customers eyes as being years of expectant product use which is always a big incentive for them to buy now.
Increased Consumer Confidence - Once again customers and whatever confidence and or loyalties they may have are undeniably a major driving factor in the economy. Customer loyalty plans show just how much this factor is recognised as being important to manufacturers, vendors and service providers alike.
Alternatives - As well as providing viable alternatives to often draconian legislation; a point I will not labour any further.
What is Standardisation?
In the context related to technologies and industries, standardisation is the process of establishing a technical specification; called a standard, which is held common among competing entities in a market, where this will bring benefits to the consumer without hurting the free and openly competitive nature of a “free” and “open” market place environment.
What are Standardisation Processes?
There are four recognised standardisation processes: compatibility, interchangeability, commonality and reference which together create compatibility, similarity, measurement and symbol standards.
What is Standards Compliance?
Attaining a standards compliance accreditation/certification infers the attainment of a minimum set of predetermined specifications which in the case or quality and quality assurance also entail process, procedure and methodology.
Why Do We Have Standards Organisations And What Do They Do?
Standards organisations, their activities, and the roles they play and who they are will be the topic of the next episode; part four, when this series about Standards, Standardisation and Policies. So stay tuned and I'll see you soon.
