How to identify standards

Purpose

This guide helps top management systematically identify standards that should be considered for governance, compliance, risk management, operational excellence, or strategic advantage. It is tailored to fit the StandardsHero Framework, with a focus on ISO standards, while also acknowledging national, sector-specific, and regulatory-linked standards.

1. Understanding the role of standards

Standards can:

Define best practices and common terminology.
Enable compliance with laws and regulations.
Support risk management.
Provide frameworks for continual improvement.
Enhance interoperability and market acceptance.
Align with customer, partner, or industry expectations.

ISO standards are globally recognized and structured to address systems, processes, and products. They range from general management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) to highly specialized technical standards.

2. The process of identifying relevant standards

Step 1: Define the business context and objectives

What are the organization’s strategic goals?
What are the regulatory requirements?
What markets or industries does the organization operate in?
What are the key risks or opportunities?

Step 2: Map key operational and strategic areas

Identify the organization’s:

Legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations.
Core business processes.
Products and services.
Stakeholders and customer requirements.

Step 3: Search and explore relevant standards sources

Start with:

ISO Standards (via ISO.org or IEC)
Regional Standards (e.g., CEN/CENELEC)
National Standards Bodies (e.g., ANSI, BSI, AFNOR)
Sectoral or Industry-Specific Bodies (e.g., W3C, GS1)
Regulatory References (laws referring to standards)

Step 4: Analyze the standards’ purpose and relevance

Ask:

Does it provide a competitive advantage or improve operational performance?
Does this standard apply to your business process, product, or market?
Is it referenced in regulations or customer requirements?

Step 5: Evaluate the type and scope

Management System Standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
Process/Technical Standards (e.g., ISO 8000 for data quality)
Product/Service Standards (e.g., ISO 14021 for environmental labels)
Interoperability/Identification Standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 15459)

Step 6: Validate with stakeholders

Consult:

Industry associations
Compliance teams
Legal advisors
Technical experts
Customers and partners

Step 7: Document and integrate

Record identified standards in your management system or compliance framework.
Align governance, policy, and training.
Ensure traceability between identified standards and operational processes.