Mohammed Abbas Alam :
Standards, Metrology, Conformity Assessments and Accreditation all those are quality tools for improving quality of products and services ultimate goal is to build confident among the stakeholders, consumers and buyers. Though International standards are voluntary but it can be a helpful tool for government, regulators and policy makers. International Standards bring technological, economic and societal benefits. They help to harmonize technical specifications of products and services making industry more efficient and breaking down barriers to international trade. Conformity to International Standards helps reassure consumers that products are safe, efficient and good for the environment.ISO has developed materials describing the economic and social benefits of standards. They are intended to be shared with decision makers and stakeholders as concrete examples of the value of standards. International Standards are strategic tools and guidelines to help companies tackle some of the most demanding challenges of modern business. They ensure that business operations are as efficient as possible, increase productivity and help companies’ access new markets. The repository of studies on economic and social benefits of standards provides an insight of the approaches and results of the studies undertaken by different authors, such as national and international standards bodies, research institutes, universities and other international agencies. The benefits of international standards are as follows:
Cost savings – International Standards help optimize operations and therefore improve the bottom line
Enhanced customer satisfaction – International Standards help improve quality, enhance customer satisfaction and increase sales
Access to new markets – International Standards help prevent trade barriers and open up global markets
Increased market share – International Standards help increase productivity and competitive advantage
Environmental benefits – International Standards help reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Metrology comes from the Greek word “metron” and “logos” which literally means the study of measurement. This study covers both the experimental and theoretical aspects of measurement and the determination of the levels of uncertainty of these aspects. The study of measurement is a basic requirement in any field of science and technology, most importantly in engineering and manufacturing. Since metrology is the study of measurement, it is expected to enforce, validate and verify predefined standards for traceability, accuracy, reliability, and precision. All of these are factors that would affect the validity of measurement. Although these standards vary widely, these are mandated by the government, the agencies, and some treaties. Consequently, these standards are verified and tested against a recognized quality system in calibration laboratories.
The experimental aspect of metrology is that which deals with the investigation of the relationship among variables. These variables are established depending on set of observations being considered or classified. As such, it is in this aspect that hypotheses are established and tested.On the other hand, the theoretical aspect of metrology deals with the various concepts and principles underlying the study. This aspect is based on established theories and concepts which are derived from empirical observations which satisfy the baseline requirements. In other words, the theoretical aspect is expected to be functional and working.In order to thoroughly grasp the concept of measurement, metrology is divided into three subfields. These three subfields in metrology are: scientific or fundamental metrology, applied or industrial metrology, and legal metrology. Each of these subfields is distinctly different from the other.
Conformity assessment involves a set of processes that show your product, service or system meets the requirements of a standard.Undergoing the conformity assessment process has a number of benefits:
Ø It provides consumersand other stakeholders with added confidence.
Ø It gives your companya competitive edge.
Ø It helps regulators ensure that health, safety or environmental conditions are met.
The main forms of conformity assessment are testing, certification, and inspection.
Accreditation is formal recognition by demonstrating the competency of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). The accreditation bodies activities recognized globally through signing the MRA with APLAC and ILAC. The ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) is an important and effective tool for government and regulators around the world to be aware of and use in the acceptance of data and results from accredited laboratories and inspection bodies that have carried out calibration, testing, medical testing, certification and inspection work.This work may relate to the provision of local, regional or national services, such as providing safe food and clean drinking water, providing energy, delivering health and social care or maintaining a living environment.
Equally governments and regulators can take advantage of the ILAC MRA to further enhance or develop trade negotiations and agreements with other economies. By removing the need for products to undergo additional testing or inspection in each country into which they are provided, the ILAC MRA promotes the acceptance of products across national borders. In this way, the free-trade goal of “accredited once, accepted everywhere” can be realized.ILAC MRA benefits are as follows:
The ILAC MRA provides a credible and technically robust framework on which to further develop and enhance government to government bilateral and multilateral international trade agreements.
The ILAC MRA acts as an internationally recognized ‘stamp of approval’ to demonstrate compliance against agreed standards and requirements. Risk is therefore minimized, as decisions will be based on reliable test results.
Duplication is minimized as test and calibration data included in submissions for product approvals can be evaluated without re-testing. Many government agencies have recognized the importance of credible accreditation programs that are developed against internationally recognized standards.
Accreditation and the ILAC MRA helps regulators meet their own legislated responsibilities by providing a globally recognized system to accept accredited test reports.
At last we can say that standards, metrology, conformity assessment and accreditation all are essential tools for improving quality of products and services. Though Standards is voluntary but regulation is mandatory for consumers, manufacturers, stakeholders and other interested parties, but the compliance of these voluntary standards is helpful tool for regulators and policy makers. The regulators and policy makers can take advantage of these voluntary standards if they include it in their regulation or in policy.
