How to Buy the Right Standards for Your Industry

Adhering to industry standards is crucial for maintaining quality, ensuring safety, and staying competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. 

However, navigating the complex world of industry standards can be challenging. That’s why solutions like Intertek Inform can make things easier for you. This blog will guide you through identifying, purchasing, and implementing the right standards for your industry.

Understanding Industry Standards

Industry standards are established norms or requirements within a particular sector. These standards cover many aspects, including safety, quality, performance, and environmental impact. Adhering to these standards is essential for regulatory compliance and building trust with customers and stakeholders.

Why Are Standards Important?

• Quality Assurance: Standards ensure that products and services meet minimum quality requirements, leading to customer satisfaction and reduced returns or complaints.
• Safety: Many standards are designed to protect the health and safety of workers and consumers, reducing the risk of accidents and liabilities.
• Market Access: Compliance with international standards can open up new markets and increase competitiveness.
• Efficiency: Standards can streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency.
• Reputation: Being certified to certain standards can enhance a company’s reputation and credibility in the market.

Identifying the Right Standards for Your Industry

The first step in purchasing the right standards is to identify which ones are relevant to your industry. This can be done through the following methods:

• Industry Associations: Many industries have associations that guide relevant standards. These organizations often have resources and expertise to help you identify the necessary standards.
• Regulatory Bodies: Government and regulatory bodies often mandate certain standards. Checking with these organizations can ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Market Research: Analyzing competitors and market leaders can provide insights into their standards, which can be a good indicator of what is required to stay competitive.
• Consultants: Hiring a consultant who specializes in your industry can provide tailored advice on the most important standards for your business.

Where to Purchase Standards

Once you have identified the necessary standards, the next step is to purchase them. There are several sources where you can buy industry standards:

• National Standards Bodies: Most countries have a national standards body (e.g., ANSI in the USA, BSI in the UK, and Standards Australia). These organizations provide access to a wide range of standards.
• International Organizations: Bodies such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) publish widely recognized international standards.
• Industry-Specific Organizations: Some industries have their own standards organizations (e.g., ASTM International for materials testing, IEEE for electronics).
• Online Databases: Websites like Techstreet, IHS Markit, and SAI Global offer access to a comprehensive collection of standards from various organizations.

Purchasing Process

The process of purchasing standards typically involves the following steps:

• Identify the Standard: Use the above methods to determine your exact standard.
• Choose the Format: Standards are usually available in digital or hard copy formats. Decide which format is more convenient for your needs.
• Purchase the Standard: Follow the purchasing procedure of the chosen provider. This may involve setting up an account, selecting the standard, and paying.
• Access the Standard: Once purchased, you will receive access to the standard. For digital formats, this often means downloading a PDF file. For hard copies, the standard will be shipped to you.

Implementing Standards in Your Business

After purchasing the necessary standards, the next step is to implement them in your business operations. Here are some tips for effective implementation:

• Training: Ensure that all relevant staff are trained on the new standards. This may involve formal training sessions, workshops, or online courses.
• Documentation: Update your internal documentation, including policies, procedures, and manuals, to reflect the new standards.
• Compliance Audits: Conduct internal audits regularly to ensure that your operations comply with the standards. This can help identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Continuous Improvement: Treat the implementation of standards as an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your practices to align with any changes in the standards or industry best practices.

Challenges and Solutions

Implementing industry standards can come with challenges. Here are some common obstacles and solutions:

• Cost: Purchasing and implementing standards can be expensive. However, the long-term benefits, such as increased efficiency and market access, often outweigh the initial costs.
• Complexity: Standards can be complex and difficult to understand. Providing adequate training and resources to your staff can help mitigate this issue.
• Resistance to Change: Employees may resist changes to established processes. Involving them in the implementation process and clearly communicating the benefits can help overcome this resistance.

Conclusion

Purchasing and implementing the right industry standards is crucial for ensuring quality, safety, and competitiveness. By understanding the importance of standards, identifying the relevant ones, purchasing them from reputable sources, and effectively implementing them in your business, you can set your company on a path to success. Remember, adhering to industry standards is not just about compliance; it’s about striving for excellence and continuous improvement in your operations.