What Are Standards? Knowing Different Types of Standards

Standards play a critical role in modern business, manufacturing, engineering, and regulatory compliance. From international quality frameworks to internal operating procedures, standards provide consistency, reliability, and clarity in how work is performed, how products are produced, and how services are delivered.

For many businesses, particularly in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, understanding the different types of standards such as ISO standards, engineering codes, national standards, and internal company guidelines is an important step toward achieving certification, complying with regulations, and gaining the trust of customers and stakeholders.

This article explains what standards are, the various categories in use today, and why they matter for both operational efficiency and long-term success.

Table Of Contents
  1. What Are Standards – The Definition
  2. Standards in Historical Context
  3. Why Standards Matter in Business and Technical Fields
  4. Types of Standards in Practice
  5. Differences Between ISO and Other Standards
  6. How It Support Compliance and Business Objectives
  7. Conclusion – Standards Build Stronger Foundations

What Are Standards – The Definition

Standards are documented agreements or specifications established by consensus and approved by recognized bodies. They serve as guidelines or frameworks to ensure that materials, products, processes, and services are suitable for their purpose. According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a standard is defined as:

A document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body, that provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context.

This definition reflects the structured nature of standards and their goal of harmonizing expectations between producers, service providers, regulators, and customers. In essence, standards provide a common language and reference point that organizations can use to measure compliance, improve quality, and reduce errors.

Standards in Historical Context

The use of standards dates back thousands of years. In early civilizations, units of measurement were among the first formal standards used to regulate trade and construction. Ancient Egypt, for example, had standard lengths like the cubit, which was used to ensure consistent dimensions in building projects such as the pyramids.

Throughout history, standards evolved from simple measurement systems into more complex frameworks. During the Industrial Revolution, the need for interchangeable parts and mass production led to the development of engineering and manufacturing standards. Railroads, for instance, had to adopt consistent track widths (gauge standards) to allow trains to move across regions without changing vehicles.

The modern concept of international standards emerged in the 20th century, driven by globalization and the need for compatibility in trade, communication, and technology. In 1947, ISO was officially formed to consolidate and manage global standardization efforts across diverse industries.

Today, standards influence almost every aspect of life, from food safety and workplace health to IT systems and environmental protection. They are no longer just technical rules but are considered strategic tools for innovation, risk control, and sustainable development.

Why Standards Matter in Business and Technical Fields

Standards are more than just written rules, they are practical tools that help organizations operate in a structured, reliable, and efficient manner. Defined as formalized specifications, guidelines, or criteria, standards ensure that materials, products, processes, and services are consistently fit for their intended purpose. They establish common expectations and uniform methods that promote safety, performance, and quality.

In the absence of standards, organizations would rely heavily on inconsistent practices, personal judgment, or informal procedures. This can result in quality fluctuations, process inefficiencies, safety hazards, and even legal non-compliance. Standards help prevent such issues by providing an agreed-upon benchmark that all stakeholders can follow.

Examples in Action – ISO 9001 and ISO 45001

Consider ISO 9001:2015, the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). When implemented in a manufacturing company, this standard helps standardize product inspection procedures, supplier evaluation processes, customer complaint handling, and documentation control. By adhering to ISO 9001, the company minimizes defects, improves customer satisfaction, and establishes a traceable system for internal and external audits. Without this framework, product quality may vary, and customer complaints could go unresolved or undocumented.

Now consider ISO 45001:2018, the standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). In a construction company, this standard helps identify workplace hazards, assess safety risks, implement preventive controls, and ensure workers are trained and protected. ISO 45001 enables organizations to reduce accidents, improve worker well-being, and comply with national safety laws such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA) in Malaysia. Without a formal standard, safety measures may be ad hoc or reactive, leading to unnecessary injuries, reputational damage, or even prosecution.

Practical Value of Standards in Organizations

Standards provide measurable value in several key areas:

  • Avoiding Errors and Reducing Waste
    By standardizing work instructions and inspection methods (as seen in ISO 9001), organizations reduce process variation and minimize rework or rejected products. This directly impacts efficiency and cost control.
  • Improving Communication and Interoperability
    When teams follow the same documented procedures or safety protocols, it reduces confusion and enhances coordination. In ISO 45001, this is especially vital during emergency preparedness and response exercises.
  • Meeting Legal and Regulatory Requirements
    Standards often align with or even exceed legal expectations. For example, ISO 45001 helps demonstrate compliance with Malaysia’s safety regulations and can serve as a defense during investigations or litigation.
  • Demonstrating Due Diligence and Accountability
    With formal documentation and audit trails, organizations can prove that they have followed systematic steps to manage quality or safety. This protects both management and staff.
  • Gaining Competitive Advantage
    Many tenders, especially in sectors like oil & gas, healthcare, and public infrastructure, require ISO certification as a prerequisite. Achieving ISO 9001 or ISO 45001 can increase credibility and expand market access.

In essence, standards turn good intentions into structured practices and those practices into measurable outcomes. They foster trust between organizations and their customers, employees, regulators, and investors. Whether you’re managing a factory, a food processing plant, or a logistics firm, standards form the backbone of sustainable and scalable operations.

Types of Standards in Practice

Standards exist at many levels such as global, national, industry-specific, and even within individual companies. Each type of standard plays a unique role depending on its origin, scope, and intended use. For businesses operating in Malaysia or internationally, understanding these categories helps ensure compliance, improve operations, and build credibility with customers and regulators.

a. ISO Standards

Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO standards are among the most universally recognized. They provide structured frameworks that help organisations implement effective management systems and improve internal governance. ISO standards are not laws, but many organisations treat them as essential best practices, particularly in industries where trust, quality, and safety are critical.

Here are some commonly implemented ISO standards:

These ISO standards are voluntary, but companies often pursue certification to strengthen operational control, win tenders, and enhance corporate reputation.

b. Engineering Standards

Engineering standards are technical documents that define precise requirements for the design, production, installation, inspection, and maintenance of engineering systems and components. These standards are essential to ensure safety, reliability, and technical consistency, particularly in high-risk industries such as construction, oil and gas, power generation, and manufacturing.

Some of the most widely adopted engineering standards are:

  • ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
    Best known for its Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), ASME standards provide safety rules and design guidelines for equipment operating under pressure. These standards are vital in industries such as:
    • Oil and gas refineries, where pressure vessels are used to process flammable substances,
    • Power plants, for the design of boilers and heat exchangers,
    • Chemical and mechanical systems, where high-temperature and high-pressure conditions require engineered safeguards.
  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
    IEEE develops standards for electrical, electronic, and computing technologies that affect telecommunications, automation, energy, and control systems. These standards are critical for:
    • Electrical installations in industrial facilities to ensure safe voltage control and grounding,
    • Telecommunication networks, such as fiber optics and wireless communication protocols,
    • IT infrastructure, such as cabling, connectivity, and system interoperability.
  • ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials)
    ASTM standards provide technical specifications for materials, products, systems, and testing methods.
    Common uses include:
    • Determining the tensile strength and composition of construction steel,
    • Specifying test procedures for product safety,
    • Establishing performance criteria for coatings, plastics, and adhesives.

These engineering standards are frequently required in project specifications, procurement contracts, and regulatory submissions. They support safe design, interoperability of components, and confidence in performance, especially when combined with quality management frameworks like ISO 9001.

c. International Standards from Other Bodies

In addition to ISO, many international organisations publish globally accepted standards that apply to specific industries or domains:

  • IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
    Focuses on standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. IEC standards are often harmonised with ISO and are essential in power generation, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.
  • ITU (International Telecommunication Union)
    Sets global standards for telecommunication systems, radio spectrum usage, and internet protocols. Telecom operators and mobile network providers rely heavily on ITU standards.
  • Codex Alimentarius
    Managed by the FAO and WHO, this is a collection of international food safety and quality standards. It influences national food laws and complements ISO 22000.

These standards are particularly relevant for export-oriented businesses or multinational operations that must meet a wide range of regulatory expectations across borders.

d. Local or National Standards

Each country develops and maintains its own national standards to suit local regulatory, economic, and cultural needs. In Malaysia, this responsibility falls under the Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM), a government agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

Malaysian standards often carry the “MS” prefix, such as:

  • MS ISO 9001 – The Malaysian adoption of ISO 9001,
  • MS 1500 – The standard for Halal food production and certification,
  • MS 1722 – Occupational safety and health management systems (used before ISO 45001).

National standards typically harmonize with international ones, but may include additional local requirements. For example, MS 1500 incorporates Islamic law into food safety and handling, making it critical for businesses aiming for Halal certification. Similarly, MS 1722 remains referenced in some Malaysian regulations, even as ISO 45001 takes global precedence.

Adopting local standards not only helps with regulatory compliance but also enhances market acceptance in the domestic landscape.

e. Company or Internal Standards

These are standards developed internally by a company or organisation to guide its daily operations, often tailored to suit specific business models, risk profiles, or cultural expectations. Common forms include:

  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
    Detailed instructions for routine tasks such as quality inspection, equipment maintenance, or order processing.
  • Work Instructions
    Step-by-step guidance for specific roles or tasks, often used in technical and operational environments.
  • Internal Checklists or Control Protocols
    Used for audits, risk assessments, or compliance checks.

Internal standards are not always based on ISO or national standards, but many organisations choose to align them for consistency and audit-readiness. For example, a logistics company may develop internal SOPs for vehicle maintenance that reflect ISO 39001 principles but are customised for their vehicle types and routes.

These internal standards serve as the operational foundation for management systems and are often the starting point for ISO certification readiness.

Differences Between ISO and Other Standards

Although all standards aim to promote consistency, safety, and efficiency, they differ greatly in their purpose, structure, and application across industries.

  • ISO Standards
    These are primarily management-oriented. They focus on how an organization governs its processes, manages risks, ensures compliance, and achieves continual improvement. ISO standards typically apply to entire management systems rather than individual components.
    Example: ISO 9001 outlines requirements for managing quality across departments—not just inspecting the end product.
  • Engineering Standards
    These are technical and design-specific, setting detailed requirements for materials, dimensions, performance limits, testing methods, and safety tolerances. They are widely used in product development, equipment fabrication, and construction.
    Example: ASME standards dictate the exact design and thickness of pressure vessels to ensure safe operation.
  • National Standards
    These combine international frameworks with local regulatory or cultural requirements. In Malaysia, national standards such as MS ISO versions may include additional guidelines that align with government policies or legal obligations.
    Example: MS 1722 was a national guideline for safety management prior to the adoption of ISO 45001.
  • Company or Internal Standards
    These focus on task-level execution and operational consistency. Internal standards such as SOPs, quality control forms, or staff checklists help employees perform duties consistently and in line with company expectations.
    Example: An internal SOP for incoming goods inspection ensures uniform procedures, even if it isn’t formally certified.

Integrating Standards in Real-World Operations

In practice, these standards often complement each other within a single organisation. For example:

  • A manufacturing company in Malaysia may follow:
    • ASME codes for the safe fabrication of pressure vessels,
    • MS ISO 14001 for managing environmental impacts of operations,
    • Internal SOPs for conducting routine inspections and handling nonconformities.

Rather than operating in isolation, these standards form an integrated system where engineering precision, legal compliance, and strategic management all align to support business goals.

How It Support Compliance and Business Objectives

Standards do more than provide technical guidelines, they help organisations stay compliant, improve operations, and meet business goals. For companies in Malaysia, adopting MS ISO standards brings clear advantages:

  • Show Commitment to Quality and Safety
    Certifications like ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 demonstrate that your organisation follows structured and responsible practices. This builds confidence among clients, regulators, and business partners.
  • Meet Tender and Contract Requirements
    Many government and private sector tenders require ISO certification as a basic eligibility criterion. Being certified gives you an edge when competing for projects or contracts.
  • Reduce Legal and Operational Risks
    Standards help align your processes with national laws and industry best practices, lowering the risk of non-compliance, penalties, or workplace incidents.
  • Improve Efficiency and Consistency
    Standardised procedures reduce guesswork, prevent miscommunication, and minimise errors. This leads to better productivity and clearer roles across teams.

Practical Examples in Malaysia

  • ISO 45001 helps organisations comply with the local occupational safety and health legislations, by introducing a system for identifying and controlling workplace risks.
  • ISO 14001 supports environmental compliance with the environmental laws and public expectations, especially in managing waste and emissions.
  • ISO 37001 aligns with the MACC Act Section 17A by helping companies establish “adequate procedures” to prevent bribery and corruption.

In short, adopting standards gives your business a clear structure to operate safely, legally, and competitively. Whether you’re aiming to win tenders, avoid fines, or improve internal systems, standards help you stay on track and grow with confidence.

Conclusion – Standards Build Stronger Foundations

Standards are more than checklists, they are the backbone of responsible, efficient, and future-ready organisations. Whether you’re aiming for ISO certification, improving internal operations, or expanding into new markets, the right standards help you work smarter, stay compliant, and build lasting trust.

Start with the right foundation, start with standards.