Business Strategies
Participation in standards work is a strategic move which brings a business numerous advantages.
Successful businesses influence the development of the sectors in which they are active
Participation in standards work should be part of every company's technological and product development strategy. The decision to partake in standardization will have a positive effect on the product development profile and production structure, and will help strengthen the company's market position. Costs for travel, personnel and other costs involved in standards work are investments that pay.
Participation in every standards project is not necessary; rather, projects should be carefully selected based on cost-benefit analyses keeping the overall business strategy in mind. The following factors should be considered when deciding whether to take part in the standards process on a particular subject:
- Market size
- Competitive situation
- Product range and portfolio strategy
- Length of the product's life cycle
- Position in a system or network
- Cost situation
In addition to considering the above factors, businesses should also keep the following advantages of standards work in mind:
- Information on the needs of customers and operators participating in standards work
- Insight into technical developments of competitors also active in standardization
- Time advantages
- Reduction of risks involved in innovations
- Influence on content of standards
- Global market access
"Participation in the Standards Committee brings us considerable advantages because we know what's coming early on. When the rules are changed, we can adjust our play equipment accordingly even before the standard is published and can quickly put new products on the market that conform to the standard."
Torsten Frank, General Manager, COROCORD Raumnetz GmbH
"For us, standards play a role even at the development stage. Here we can incorporate the product safety requirements we must meet, that is, standards are an essential aspect of risk management as a whole."
José da Costa Fernandes, Quality Management Representative, Hecht Contactlinsen GmbH
"As a company, it is very important that we use the standard. This ensures that the play equipment we put on the market is state-of-the-art."
Torsten Frank, General Manager, COROCORD Raumnetz GmbH
“Standards play a considerable part in our company’s success. They describe procedures and specify levels of quality and material properties. They establish targets which we want our products to reach and that everyone finds understandable and comparable. By using standards we can develop modules, systems or parts much faster.”
Klaus Kuonath, Corporate Standards Officer, Daimler AG
"That is one reason I participate in European standards bodies: To make standards shorter and more understandable for all users."
Torsten Frank, General Manager, COROCORD Raumnetz GmbH