--- title: "Standardization levels and formulation of standards" subject: "Metrology" chapter: 3 key: "semester_3/metrology:levels-of-standardization" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/metrology/levels-of-standardization site: BCT Engineering --- # Standardization levels and formulation of standards Metrology · Chapter 3: Standards, Standardization, Standardizing Organizations - Asked in: year not given, 6 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/metrology/levels-of-standardization - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/metrology/chapter-3 ## Question What is standardization? Describe the levels of standardization (company, national, international) and explain the steps in formulation and implementation of a standard. State the advantages of standardization. ## Short answer Standardization establishes agreed rules for products/processes. Levels: company, national (e.g., NBSM), international (ISO). Steps: need identification, draft by committee, circulation, comment, revision, approval, implementation, periodic review. Advantages: interchangeability, reduced variety, lower cost, improved quality, safety, easier trade. ## Answer **Standardization** is the process of establishing and applying agreed rules, dimensions and procedures for a product, process or service so that they can be used widely and repeatedly with the least variety. #### Levels - **Company standardization**: set inside one firm for its own products, materials, tools and methods (for example preferred sizes of its fasteners). - **National standardization**: set by a national body for the whole country, such as Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM), BIS in India, BSI in the UK, ANSI in the USA, DIN in Germany. - **Regional and international standardization**: by bodies such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), IEC (electrotechnical) and ITU (telecom); ISO standards (for example ISO 286 for limits and fits) allow international trade. #### Formulation and implementation 1. A need is identified by industry, consumers or government. 2. A technical committee of experts prepares a first draft. 3. The draft is circulated to manufacturers, users and the public for comments. 4. Comments are reviewed and the draft is revised. 5. The final standard is approved and published. 6. It is implemented through training, quality control and certification marks, with inspection by the body. 7. It is reviewed periodically (usually every 5 years) and revised or withdrawn. #### Advantages Interchangeability and reduced variety, lower cost through mass production, better quality and safety, simpler design and purchasing, easy maintenance and spare parts, and smoother national and international trade. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Standardization is best described as: A. Making every product identical in appearance B. Establishing and applying agreed rules, dimensions and procedures for wide, repeated use with least variety C. Inspecting products at the end of production D. Registering a company name Answer: B. Standardization establishes agreed rules and procedures so products, processes or services can be used widely with minimum variety. (Key point: Standardization defined) 2. Which is an example of national standardization? A. A firm's preferred sizes of its own fasteners B. ISO 286 for limits and fits C. Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) D. IEC standards for electrotechnical items Answer: C. NBSM, BIS, BSI, ANSI and DIN are national bodies; company standards are internal and ISO/IEC are international. (Key point: Levels of standardization) 3. In formulating a standard, what happens after the technical committee prepares a first draft? A. It is published immediately B. It is circulated to manufacturers, users and the public for comments C. It is withdrawn after 5 years D. It is implemented through certification marks Answer: B. The draft is circulated for comments, then reviewed and revised before final approval and publication. (Key point: Draft review step) 4. After a standard is implemented, it is usually: A. Never changed B. Reviewed about every 5 years and revised or withdrawn as needed C. Replaced yearly D. Reviewed only by the company that uses it Answer: B. Standards are reviewed periodically, usually every 5 years, then revised or withdrawn. (Key point: Periodic review) ## Related in Metrology - [Traceability and hierarchy of standards](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fmetrology%3Atraceability-hierarchy-of-standards) — Metrology, chapter 3 ## Related in other subjects - [National and international numbering plans](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftelecommunications%3Anumbering-plan-national-international) — Telecommunications, chapter 7, asked 3× - [Radiation fields and international safety standards](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Frf_and_microwave_engineering%3Aradiation-fields-international-standards) — RF and Microwave Engineering, chapter 7, asked 2× - [Standard costing variances for a building company](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fengineering_economics%3Avariances-cement-mason-standard-costing) — Engineering Economics, chapter 1 - [DSM concept; planning and implementation steps](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Futilization_of_electrical_energy%3Adsm-concept-planning-implementation) — Utilization of Electrical Energy, chapter 6