What is an SDO?

What is a Standards Development Organization (SDO)?

Imagine purchasing a charger for your smartphone, and regardless of the brand, it seamlessly fits and functions. Or consider the assurance that the elevator you step into meets rigorous safety standards. These everyday conveniences and safety assurances are made possible by the work of standards development organizations (SDOs).

Understanding SDOs

A standards development organization (SDO) is an entity responsible for developing, establishing, and promoting standards across various industries and sectors. These organizations ensure that products, services, and systems are safe, reliable, and of good quality. They provide a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, discuss, and develop consensus-based standards that benefit industries, governments, consumers, and society as a whole.

The Purpose of SDOs

SDOs aim to create uniformity across producers, consumers, government agencies, and other relevant parties regarding terminology, product specifications, protocols, and more. Their goals include assuring compatibility between products, consistent terminology, and adherence to specifications. For instance, they help ensure that an external hard drive works on different computers or that consistent icons are maintained on clothing labels.

Impact Across Industries

The influence of SDOs spans numerous sectors:

• Healthcare: Organizations like the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) develop standards for laboratory testing and in vitro diagnostic test systems, guaranteeing accurate and reliable medical testing.
• Technology: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has developed over 1,300 consensus standards in areas like biomedical engineering, aerospace systems, and telecommunications, facilitating technological advancement and interoperability.
• Construction: The American Concrete Institute (ACI) provides standards that ensure the quality and safety of concrete structures, influencing building codes and construction practices.
• Textiles: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) develops standards for textiles, fibers, and fabrics, confirming quality and consistency in the textile industry.
• Education and Workforce Development: The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) plays a vital role as an SDO by developing the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training. This standard provides a framework for ensuring high-quality, consistent, and measurable adult learning experiences across industries. IACET’s accreditation helps training providers deliver programs that align with best practices and measurable outcomes, enhancing workforce readiness and lifelong learning.

The Process of Standards Development

Developing a standard is a meticulous process:

1. Initiation: A need for a standard is identified, often due to technological advancements, safety concerns, or market demands.
2. Drafting: A committee of experts and stakeholders collaborates to draft the standard, ensuring it addresses the identified need effectively.
3. Public Review: The draft standard is released for public comment, allowing for transparency and broader input.
4. Revision: Feedback from the public review is considered, and necessary revisions are made to the draft standard.
5. Approval and Publication: The final standard is approved by the governing body of the SDO and published for implementation.

This consensus-based approach assures that the standards developed are balanced, transparent, and widely accepted.

The Importance of SDOs

SDOs play a vital role in facilitating interoperability, safety, quality, and efficiency by providing a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and develop voluntary standards. Through their activities, SDOs contribute to the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of industries, benefiting society at large.

Conclusion

Standards development organizations are the unsung heroes behind the seamless operation of countless products and services we rely on daily. Their commitment to developing and maintaining standards ensures that industries can innovate and grow while maintaining safety, quality, and interoperability. Understanding the role of SDOs highlights the importance of their work in our everyday lives.

About the Author

Sherard Jones is the President of Strategic Futurist Consulting, an organization whose mission is to provide global leadership in Credentialing, Accreditation and Standards Development. Sherard has over 15 years of experience with IACET Accreditation in various roles and is committed to applying his expertise to support IACET in meeting its strategic goals. Sherard is currently a Lead Assessor for the ANSI-CAP program, has worked as Vice President of Education and Training for IAPMO, and was a past Chair of the IACET Commission. Sherard has 10+ years of experience in strategic program development and has partnered with clients having business needs varying from creating international workforce development programs to build capacity through training and credentialing — to creating and overseeing organizational restructuring plans.