standardize

Standardize (American English) or standardise (British English) is a verb meaning to bring something into conformity with a standard or to establish a standard for consistency. The related noun standardization (American) or standardisation (British) refers to the process of developing and applying standards across activities, goods, and services. Standards may be created by formal organizations, industry groups, or internal governance bodies, and are intended to ensure compatibility, quality, safety, and efficiency.

The standardization process typically includes identifying needs, selecting or creating appropriate standards, documenting requirements, obtaining formal approval, disseminating the standard, implementing it across operations, and periodically reviewing or revising it. Standardization can apply to products, processes, data formats, interfaces, terminology, and measurement units.

Benefits include improved interoperability, easier procurement, clearer communication across supply chains, and stronger regulatory compliance. Potential drawbacks include reduced flexibility, the risk of over-bureaucratization, and the cost of adopting and maintaining standards. Conflicting or overlapping standards can hamper efforts, particularly in global contexts.

Common domains involve measurement units (SI), product specifications, safety and quality management (ISO 9001), information technology and data formats (W3C standards), electrical and mechanical interfaces (IEC, ISO), and industry-specific guidelines. International and regional bodies such as ISO, IEC, ANSI, and others coordinate standardization activities, while national bodies translate and adapt standards for local markets.

See also standardization; standard.