Standard
A standard is a set of rules, guidelines, or characteristics that define the way something should be done, made, or used. Standards are used to ensure consistency and quality in products, services, and processes. Standards can be developed by governments, industry groups, or organizations. Standards are often used to ensure safety, reliability, and quality in products and services.
History of the Term
The concept of standards has been around for centuries. In ancient times, standards were used to ensure quality and consistency in products and services. For example, the ancient Egyptians used standards to ensure the quality of their building materials. In the Middle Ages, guilds used standards to ensure the quality of their products. In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution saw the emergence of standards for industrial products and processes.
In the 20th century, the development of standards became more organized. International organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) were established to develop and promote standards. Today, standards are used in virtually every industry, from manufacturing to healthcare.
Comparisons
| Standard | Non-Standard |
|---|---|
| Consistent | Inconsistent |
| Quality Assured | Quality Unassured |
| Safety Assured | Safety Unassured |
Summary
A standard is a set of rules, guidelines, or characteristics that define the way something should be done, made, or used. Standards are used to ensure consistency and quality in products, services, and processes. Standards can be developed by governments, industry groups, or organizations. For more information about standards, visit the websites of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
See Also
- Regulation
- Certification
- Accreditation
- Specification
- Guideline
- Protocol
- Code of Practice
- Benchmark
- Metric
- Quality Assurance
