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Jun
4
Written by:
Grant Lee
6/4/2010 11:58 AM
There is a difference. For many, it takes a long time to develop an understanding that there are differences in the terminology associated with specifications and standards. Many people sell products and services to the built environment, who are not engineers, technicians or technologists, and never had any exposure to standards and specifications before entering the workplace. It may also be fair to say that very few people engaged in selling products or providing services have little knowledge about how standards and specifications are developed, although they are heavily referenced in the marketplace when competing for sales or projects. The concrete pipe industry is specification driven, and its products and services are produced to standards that are widely accepted. Sales and marketing staff of member firms of the Canadian Concrete Pipe Association are subject to continuing education about the standards associated with the production and testing of concrete pipe and competitive products, and the specifications (standard and customized) used by client groups, government agencies, and local municipalities. Provincial and National Building Codes reference standards. Ontario is the only provincial jurisdiction that publishes its own building code. Plumbing under the OBC includes a drainage system (See http://www.ocpa.com/_resources/CPJ_Spring2010.pdf).
Wikipedia defines a technical standard as an established norm or requirement. It is usually a formal document that establishes uniform engineering or technical criteria, methods, processes and practices. In contrast, a custom, convention, company product, corporate standard, etc. which becomes generally accepted and dominant is often called a de facto standard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard). A technical standard may be developed privately or unilaterally, for example by a corporation, regulatory body, military, etc. Standards can also be developed by groups such as trade unions, and trade associations. Standards organizations often have more diverse input, and usually develop voluntary standards: these might become mandatory if adopted by a government, business contract, etc. The standardization process may be by edict or may involve the formal consensus of technical experts.
Still with Wikipedia, a specification is an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, or service. Should a material, product or service fail to meet one or more of the applicable specifications, it may be referred to as being out of specification (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specification). A technical specification may be developed privately, for example by a corporation, regulatory body, or military organization, or it may be developed by standards organizations which often have more diverse input and usually develop voluntary standards (Voluntary standards may become mandatory if adopted by a government or business contract). Sometimes the term specification is used in connection with a data sheet or (spec sheet). A data sheet is usually used for technical communication to describe technical characteristics of an item or product. It can be published by a manufacturer to help people choose products or to help use the products.
The Canadian Standards Association summarizes how standards are developed (http://www.csa.ca/cm/ca/en/standards-development). It notes, “Anyone can come forward and request a standard. Often it is a consumer organization, trade/industry association or a government department, which has observed a need. CSA then evaluates the usefulness of a potential standard in meeting the need, and assesses the level of support in the community and industry. The Canadian Standards Association functions as a neutral third party, providing a structure and a forum for developing the standard. Committees are created so that each committee is structured to capitalize on the combined strengths and expertise of its members - with no single group dominating. The committee considers the views of all participants and develops the details of the standard by a consensus process, which includes the principles of inclusive participation, and respect for diverse interest and transparency. Substantial agreement among committee members, rather than a simple majority of votes, is necessary. When a draft standard has been agreed upon, it is submitted for public review, and amended if necessary.
To be effective in marketing and sales, while having high regard for public safety, it is important to understand the difference between standards and specifications, how they are developed, and just how good they are in meeting the expectations of clients. In the buried infrastructure industry in Canada, the ultimate client is generally the Canadian taxpayer.
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