What is what are technical standards?

Technical standards are established guidelines or specifications that are used to ensure consistency and quality in the development, manufacturing, and implementation of products, services, or processes within a specific industry. They are developed by expert groups or organizations to provide a common framework that promotes interoperability, safety, reliability, compatibility, and efficiency.

Technical standards cover a wide range of areas, including telecommunications, information technology, engineering, construction, transportation, energy, healthcare, and environmental management. They typically include technical requirements, testing and validation procedures, performance metrics, and compliance criteria.

Benefits of technical standards include:

• Enhanced interoperability among products and services
• Improved safety and reliability
• Increased efficiency and productivity
• Reduced costs and risks
• Facilitated innovation and competition
• Improved market access and consumer confidence.

Some examples of well-known technical standards include ISO 9001 for quality management, IEEE 802.11 for wireless communication, ASTM standards for construction materials, and IEC standards for electrical equipment.