Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form a diverse group, ranging from simple crafts manufacturers to innovative high-tech companies. According to the European Union’s definition, these can include one-person firms to 250-strong companies. Many SMEs could derive greater benefit from standardization, although standards are sometimes perceived as a burden rather than an advantage. This article highlights the obstacles that prevent SMEs from profiting from standards and standardization and offers solutions.

Established in Singapore in 1992, HISAKA has transformed into a leading automation solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region, specializing in mechanical motion products.
The Group’s principal activities can be broadly classified into services and manufacturing segments, with supply chain management forming an integral part of both. The services segment consists of mechanical motion components management while the manufacturing segment is made up of metallic precision manufacturing and mechatronics integration.

Yearly surveys on the application of ISO management system standards (MSSs) show a steady worldwide increase in certifications based on ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management). However, while these surveys do not indicate the size of the organizations that have implemented the standards, experience in the Netherlands and other countries shows that a growing number of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) implement multiple MSSs, though some face difficulties in doing so and need help.