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How Global Industries Use ASTM International to Achieve Their Goals

Jim Thomas, PresidentASTM International

MoscowApril 10, 2008

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ASTM International Survey of 250 Successful Companies

A. Standardization was viewed favorably by top management.

B. There was support from the highest executive levels.

C. There existed an understanding that standards have a favorable impact on a company’s performance.

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ASTM International Survey Successful companies are very

proactive in standards development organizations. The Boeing Company has over 700

participants on more than 420 standards developing committees.

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Participation ASTM International advocates a

policy of open, direct participation. Open to industry experts, government

officials, academics, and consumers regardless of nationality.

Experts from 125 countries are working members of ASTM technical committees.

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Online Participation Web casts Seminars Online participation in technical

committees Electronic balloting

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GOST/ASTM International MOU Improves communication Eliminates duplication of effort Facilitates participation by Russian

technical experts

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The Standards Toolbox Standards are chosen for their ability to

solve specific problems. The manufacturer is interested in the

quality, technical merit, and the standard’s applicability to the problem at hand. The Boeing Company uses standards

developed by ASTM International, IEEE, ISO, SAE, the World Wide Web (W3), Oasis, the U.S. Department of Defense and its own company standards.

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Choosing Standards Standards should be

Technically valid Globally relevant Primarily performance-based Acceptable for reference in national or

regional legislation Value-adding for the consumer and

society Current with developing technology

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ASTM International and WTO Principles ASTM adheres to the TBT principles for

the development of international standards Transparency Openness Impartiality and Consensus Effectiveness and Relevance Coherence Development (Technical Assistance)

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Industry Goals Increase efficiency Improve product quality Improve performance and customer

receptivity Enhance coordination with suppliers and

customers Support product development Contribute to interoperability Facilitate market access

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Regulatory Goals

Thousands of ASTM standards are used as the basis for technical regulations in many countries.

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Quality,Relevance, and New Technologies Quality

Interlaboratory Crosscheck and Proficiency Testing Programs

Relevance Toy Safety Standard added guidelines and

test methods for new dangers from ingestible magnets and loud acoustic levels

New Technologies Light Sport Aircraft Nanotechnology Terminology

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Choosing a Standard

Will it work?

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Thank You