Methods of Standardisation

From Standard Institutions

The standards are available from the sources like Bureau of Indian Standards (Indian Standards Institution) or any standard institution. The same can be applied. Particularly, this method is more appropriate for an already existing product.

From Frequency Distribution

The frequency distribution of demand for each type and size of an item in terms of dimensions or quantity of materials will be the best starting point for standardization and variety reduction in an organisation. For example, a company wants to serve a soft drink in bottles. It can start with sizes of 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 ml bottles. The statistics of consumption pattern may be taken. Suppose 200ml, 250 ml bottles ate most preferred, then these two can be fixed as standard and the remaining can be gradually discontinued if these items are not critical from performance and safety angles.

From Renaud Standard Series

The preferred number series-a series of standard sizes in suitable steps used in bulbs and currency-developed by Renaud and known as R-5, R-10, R-29, R-40, etc. is another way of starting the standardization process.

Further, as technology and market conditions change, existing standards also have to be redefined. Standardization is, thus a continuous and never ending process.