Press and Media

11 October 2019

Harmonised standards inspire trust

“Video Standards Create a Global Stage” is the theme of this year's World Standards Day on 14 October 2019. Against this backdrop, TÜV SÜD emphasises the significant role of harmonised standards in the global movement of goods and technical progress. World Standards Day is a joint initiative of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

Videos have become increasingly important in both our personal and professional spheres. Holiday videos are shared in the cloud with friends and acquaintances, YouTube has evolved into one of the leading Internet platforms, and videos are also playing an increasingly important role in our professional lives. “The TIC industry, for example, uses innovative video techniques to inspect pipelines or buildings with the help of drones equipped with high-resolution or thermography cameras”, says Reiner Block, CEO of TÜV SÜD's Industry Service Division.

TIC stands for testing, inspection and certification. With around 24,000 staff at over 1,000 locations worldwide, TÜV SÜD is one of the leaders in the TIC industry. Other examples of the application of innovative video technologies include the use of smart glasses and cameras which provide end-to-end documentation of the testing and inspection process or allow specialists to tune in from other locations if necessary. “The development of this type of services and global use of these technologies to benefit our customers is only possible with appropriate harmonisation of video formats, compression technologies and equipment”, stresses Block. “Without international harmonisation and standardisation, the global advance of video technology would not have been possible.”

Harmonisation and standardisation
Development of harmonised regulatory acts and generally recognised standards is one of the essential conditions for a functioning global economy. Standards define uniform requirements for products, services and methods. They are developed and distributed in a process of exchange and consensus among experts under the lead of standard-setting organisations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Development and implementation of standards harmonised at global level are also critical for building the necessary trust in the reliability and safety of new, innovative technologies among all stakeholders – from manufacturers to consumers.

Reiner Block from TÜV SÜD says, “The marketability of products and their access to various markets worldwide is an essential part of our business as a leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services. Our tests and inspections are based on harmonised regulations and recognised standards. By sharing our experience and expertise in the committees of organisations including IEC, ISO and ITU, we also contribute to the continual improvement of existing standards and the development of new standards for innovative technologies.”

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Press-contact: Dr Thomas Oberst