Importance of Standardization James Hammond, Standards Division 4th SG13 Regional Workshop for Africa on “Future Networks for a better Africa: IMT-2020, Trust, Cloud Computing and Big Data” (Accra, Ghana, 14-15 March 2016) Importance of Standardization James Hammond, Standards Division Ghana Standards Authority jhammond@gsa.gov.gh

STANDARDIZATION Standardization consist of the process of formulating, issuing and implementing standards. What are standards? A technical document established by consensus and approved by a recognized body that provides for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context. (ISO/IEC Guide 2:2004, Standardization and related activities -- General vocabulary.)

WHAT ARE STANDARDS CONT’D A recognized document that defines good practice Defines the characteristics of products, processes and services Help us to judge if a product, process or service is : - good or bad - right or wrong - safe or unsafe - acceptable or unacceptable It ensures goods and services meet requirements of target markets Standards should be based on the consolidated results of science, technology and experience, and aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits

PRINCIPLES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS Based on consensus The views of all interests are taken into account. there must be a general agreement Industry wide solutions Global solutions to satisfy the needs of industries and consumers

PRINCIPLES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS Voluntary standardization is market driven and therefore based on voluntary involvement of all interests in the market-place. Stakeholder involvement Standards are developed through Technical Committees (TC) made up of Experts from : Academia, manufacturers, traders, users, consumer groups, testing laboratories, government agencies, research institutions etc.

LEVELS & TYPES COMPANY INDUSTRY NATIONAL REGIONAL INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE

IMPORTANCE OF STANDARDS Increased market share – ensures business operations are as efficient as possible thus increase productivity and market share Cost savings - help optimize operations and therefore reduce production cost Enhanced customer satisfaction - helps improve quality, enhance customer satisfaction and increase sales

IMPORTANCE OF STANDARDS Access to new markets - helps prevent trade barriers and open up global markets Consumer Safety – consumers can have confidence that the product is safe, reliable and of good quality. Environmental benefits - helps reduce negative impacts on the environment

IMPORTANCE OF STANDARDS Support to Public policy - By integrating a standard into national regulation, governments can benefit from the opinion of experts without having to call on their services directly

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