With over 45,000 British and many more national, European and international standards available, it is vital for businesses to choose those that are most suited to their products, services and processes. The following factors should be carefully considered:
- any applicable regulatory requirements
- the concerns of new and existing customers
- the standardization strategies employed by competitors
- the professional organisations able to offer assistance and advice.
Considering customer and market requirements
Implementing standards inspires confidence in a business and offers a key means of retaining existing custom. Furthermore, compliance opens doors to new markets and expanding customer bases. Indeed, some contracts and supply chains are only open to compliant businesses.
Also important is the fact that standards ease the process of meeting regulatory obligations, take much of the risk and hard work out of exporting, and ensure interoperability.
Read more about using standards in marketing.
Weighing up the competition
Understanding the successes that competitors have achieved through the adoption of standards is invaluable. This knowledge can be used to determine whether implementing similar standards would be appropriate, or whether choosing other options would yield a competitive advantage.
Standards are subject to revision and replacement as the marketplace evolves, so an up-to-date source of information is vital. Active participation in the standardization process will ensure that you stay one step ahead.
Visit the BSI shop to buy standards in hard-copy, CD-ROM and online.
Consult the professionals
Trade associations may be able to recommend standards that are suitable, while the DTI's Business Link service and BSI's catalogue provide important resources.
For further help and advice contact BSI's Customer Services:
