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At the heart of the U.S. standards system are voluntary standards that arise from a formal, coordinated, consensus-based and open process. Developed by subject matter experts from both the public and private sectors, the voluntary process is open to all affected parties and relies upon cooperation and compromise among a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Scientific and professional societies like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Acoustical Society of America (ASA), and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)are often involved in standards development activities that further the work of their organization.
- Trade associations, on the other hand, deal with a particular industry and promote its products or services. Some associations, such as the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), develop standards for the products manufactured by their members, while others might focus on developing standards for products used by their industries.
- Organizations such as the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Electronic Industries Alliance(EIA) develop technical standards that cut across many industries. Other large umbrella groups, such as ASTM International and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), recognize their standardization activities as a primary focus.
De facto(also known as ad hoc) standards are normally developed outside the traditional framework and usually appeal to a more narrow market than standards developed by voluntary-standards-focused organizations. These "marketplace" standards, though often developed more quickly than standards developed in a more formal process, do not always ensure a level playing field.
Consortia standards are developed by companies who agree to work together to solve a specific market need. Consortia documents may offer a solution to the problem, but participation on the "problem-solving team" is limited to members of the consortia. Membership often requires a substantial financial contribution.
Finally, the U.S. federal government is involved, too. Regulatory standards are usually written by government agencies, though voluntary standards frequently become regulatory standards when they are cited in government, industry, or corporate codes or enforceable regulations. Regulatory standards are enforceable by law; violations can result in civil or criminal action.
Did you know . . .
The U.S. federal government is the largest single creator and user of standards: more than 45,000 (by current estimates). |
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Field trips for this lesson:
For more information about the organizations referenced in this lesson, visit the websites shown below:
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