Now we are going to define why it is that standards are important and the benefits that we as individuals can derive from standards and what we can avoid. Watching the bloke next door getting ripped-off after we mentioned that whatever did not comply with the appropriate standards and then the thrill of the “I told you so” moment for those so inclined is what we are going to get from part three of the standards, standardisation and policies guide. So let us to it.

What are the Benefits of Standards?

Some of the benefits that can be derived through the use of appropriate standards include:

Consistency and Reliable Repeatability - You can confidently swap out faulty or worn out components with new ones if the standards by which both components comply are the same.

Uniformity - Allows us to predict in a reliable manner what should or should not happen or how goods and services should be performed or discharged without the need for our personal observation to ensure that this is in deed the case.

Interoperability - Components, systems, networks, products and services that comply with the prescribed standards can be relied upon to interoperate (work together).

It doesn't matter what make or brand your PC is if it has the appropriate minimum requirements then it will be able to do the job. One computer using the Internet Protocol (IP) will be able to communicate with another using IP.

Similarly one router using an open standard routing protocol will be able to function with any other router that is using the same open standard protocol. It's what makes the Internet work.

Versatility - Commonly seen in the for of Mix-and-Match or Plug-and-Play components

Compliance - Both industry-wide and organisation-wide compliance when reflected through a persistent consistency among peers is always beneficial to the general populous.

An example that illustrates this point can be seen in oil companies agreeing to manufacture their products to a set of given standards; which may be set nationally, or as is more often the case now-a-days by international agreements collectively herded under the “GREEN” banner. This allows companies to maximise the efficiency with which they allot and use their and their peer's resources.

In Australia this is seen with petroleum refineries where one of the major players owns and operates the refinery (a very expensive piece of kit in deed) in one city supplying all the needs of all companies within that city and its defined distribution area. Another company does likewise in another city and so on.

This is how we have arrived at the current point in time where each of the major cities (the state capitols) has at least one refinery that is owned and operated by a different company to the refineries in the other major cities.

The net result is that in combination with some government control the petrol prices are relatively stable and uniform across the nation. I know that by saying this I will immediately spark off the next round of petrol price wars but what the hell.

Vendor Independence - Consumers have a greater vendor-base from which to select a product or service with the confidence that if it meets with the appropriate standards it will do the job required. It is here that certification labeling such as we currently see from the Wi-Fi Alliance comes into play. This is a topic that I will deal with in greater depth a little later in this series.

Predictability - Being confident that whenever you put your foot on the brake it will have the desired effect is undoubtedly a major factor in any buying decision. I myself have had the experience of driving off into the sunset (sunrise really) and about 80 Kilometers down the road I had cause to slow down in order to merge onto the freeway. To my great horror when I put my foot on the brake and began to apply a little pressure it went straight to the floor. Thanks to gears and a functional hand-brake tragedy was averted.

Stability - In terms of product, service, price, quality, capabilities across a range of products and services whether delivered by the same manufacturer, vendor or service provider allows the consumer to plan their use and the period over which they intend to use any given product or service. Buying comfortably in the knowledge that this product or service will satisfy your needs for at least the next five years brings greater stability to an industry as a whole and the market-place in general.

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.