In today's complex world, the interoperability of products and devices of all sorts is facilitated by ISO International Standards. The February 2010 edition of ISO Focus+, the magazine of ISO (International Organization for Standardization) explores this issue of interoperability.
When interoperability fails, the resulting roadblocks create frustration, impair progress, generate inefficiency and raise costs.
Promoting the ability of products and services to interact with each other is one of the key roles of standards – from those for the most basic of parts, like screws, fasteners or roller bearings, to complex processes, like the standard for the exchange of product data (STEP) used in industrial automation. A case study on how implementing STEP can provide major benefits is contributed by the aeronautic company, Lockheed Martin.
Another article shows how the interoperability of pallets – of which there are billions in existence – makes them one of the basic building blocks of global supply chains.
Interoperability helps business become more competitive and optimize production processes, and also results in better products and services for consumers, at lower costs.
The February edition highlights some key examples of standards that are facilitating interoperability of products, services, processes and knowledge, such as for financial services. or interfaces for universal remote consoles for piloting a wide range of electronic devices in the "intelligent home".
The February edition of ISO Focus+ also features an exclusive interview with Sweden’s Minister for Trade, Ewa Björling, who says, “I believe that International Standards in general – and their use in technical regulations on products, production methods and services – play an important role in facilitating trade through the promotion of safety, quality and technical compatibility.”
Minister Björling gives her views on the benefits of participating in international standardization, and on standards and developing countries, trade, climate change and social responsibility.
Other highlights include articles on how ISO standards support the following :
- Consumer concerns in financial services
- Trade promotion institutes, leading to export success
- Safe food supply chains
- Plus an ISO 9001 (quality management) case study at a Portuguese school.
