The small and medium-sized businesses are the fastest growing segment of Pakistan's economy. They are rapidly becoming the leading developers of new jobs. Uses of Compulsory as well as voluntary standards are helping these businesses expand their role as suppliers to government agencies.
Large multinational companies also depend on outsourcing, which often results in small businesses becoming prime suppliers world-wide. Small and medium-sized companies need to keep informed of and participate in international standards activities to effectively compete in the global marketplace.
"How are these small and mid-sized companies copying with the merging trends in standards and conformity assessment requirements, particularly as they relate to exporting and other international trade requirements? That depends on their understanding of the important role standardisation plays in the emerging technologies and the global economy. Unfortunately there is a lack of knowledge and understanding among small businesses of the national and international standards process.
This can be particularly frustrating for small and mid-sized businesses that must meet European or other foreign standards requirements and testing procedures in order to export. Their participation in the voluntary standards development system can help them compete more effectively in national and international markets. They need to become aware of the benefits participation offers their businesses.
Standards have been in existence for many years. They were perceived as being full of tedious technical jargon and of little importance to its business. Today and in the next millennium, the environment changed. Today, standards are the basic building blocks for a broader business goal: strategic standardisation. They are essential for innovation, cost reduction, and high quality essential for the marketing of products and services in the global market.
The strategic use of standards are a management tool that creates the environment for developing the blueprint for the future. Standards streamline work processes and trim costs, so that businesses can secure a competitive advantage and survive during periods of national and global economic decline.
The days when standards were for manufacturing and engineering are history. Today, standards benefit the manufacturer, the processor, or the service provider. Standards moves beyond product specifications and service requirements to address areas such as the environment, healthcare, safety, the Internet, and privacy. In short, standards are prerequisite to a healthy growing economy and industry.
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