Guide 17 contains tips,
guidelines and examples for standards writers outlining how they can ensure
that the standards they develop are relevant to micro, small and medium sized
enterprises who, whilst not always involved in the writing of standards, wish to
use them. It is important that where direct participation of SMEs is not
possible in the development process of a standard, this does not become a
barrier for the SME to use the standard.
The Guide also encourages standards
writers to think further about a whole range of issues, including those
outlined below.
When preparing New Work Items, check the
market relevance of the proposed standard and know who your stakeholders are.
v
Before
proposing a new work item, the proposer should assess the need for the European
Standard.
v
A wide
consultation of all possible stakeholders should take place in order to assess
their needs or interest in a proposed standard.
v
Do SMEs have
particular needs in the development and drafting process?
When preparing the standard, think about any costs
for implementing the standard which may result in it not being cost-effective e.g.
v
Consequences
of changes in technology.
v
Will costs
for buying new equipment, training, testing and hiring consultants put extra constraints
on SMEs?
v
Consider the
availability of elements required such as technology, testing equipment,
testing laboratories, IPR etc.
There are several things standard writers can
do to help SMEs when writing standards:
v
Add examples
and explanations.
v
Explain why
the standard is necessary, why it is created or revised.
v
Specify the
type of business covered by the standard, outline the range of products or
services to which the standard is applicable.
v
Do not cover
issues outside the scope of the standard.
Tips for the structure and
presentation of the content of the standard:
v Keep your standard short and if needed divide
it into parts.
v Make it clear and easy to read for those that
did not participate in the writing process. Something as simple as a clear
layout may do wonders for the reader.
v Include charts, graphics, drawings.
v
Give
examples, either in the main text or in an annex.
v
Use simple
language (this is also the case for translations of standards), avoid
abbreviations or explain them. If you have to use difficult or complicated
words then define them.
v
If you refer
to normative documents, make sure they are publicly available.
Don't forget when reviewing standards:
v
If a
standard is revised, indicate significant technical changes in the Foreword and
give the reason for revision.
v
Where a European
Standard introduces a completely new requirement or call for best practice,
think about extending the date of withdrawal. It may be necessary for the SME
to buy new equipment, to train staff etc.
v
If an area
of standardization is particularly complex (e.g. because of legislation), then
standard writers can consider the creation of an additional guidance document e.g.
an implementation manual.
How can you measure whether your standard is
in line with Guide 17?
At the end of the Guide, there is
a checklist so that standards writers can check whether they have considered
the needs of SMEs during the drafting of a new or revised standard.
And for International Standards?
ISO adapted CEN-CENELEC Guide 17 in April
2013 and it is currently submitted to the ISO-IEC voting procedure to become
ISO-IEC Guide 17, with a deadline of January 2015.
The Guides can be freely
downloaded from:
- http://www.cencenelec.eu/sme/smenews/Pages/guide17.aspx
(available in 27 languages!)
- http://www.iso.org/iso/PUB100342.pdf
Any questions? Please drop
us a comment by clicking on the button below!
Next week there will be a
special post about feedback on the blog.Ingrid Soetaert,
Programme Manager
Innovation
© All CCMC posted information is copyrighted by CEN and/or CENELEC.
Extracts may be used providing that the source is mentioned.
Please note that the CCMC posted information is drawn from a variety of
sources already publicly available on the CEN and CENELEC websites.
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