Standards in Engineering has such a great impact in deciding quality of products and services. All developed nations and upcoming multinationals put a huge focus on following standards for their products and offerings. Standards seem to guarantee the minimum quality and assurance for safety and performance. 

Yet, it has been noticed that in India, we often don’t put a lot of focus on teaching these standards to our students and fresh engineers. This results in quality control issues among Indian made products, and employability issues among students of engineering. Awareness of standards and what is demanded by engineering community from our products and services could be a huge bonus in producing right products, getting hired in good engineering firms, and finally in promoting engineering entrepreneurship.

Just like engineering standards, there are also some esablished “best practices” in the field of practical engineering. Best practices are proven methodologies, techniques, and approaches that have demonstrated superior results and are widely recognized as effective. They represent the collective wisdom of industry professionals and embody the highest standards of performance in engineering. By embracing these best practices, engineers can optimize their work processes, improve efficiency, and deliver superior results in their projects.

It is quite critical to realise the value of knowing standards and best practices. Many universities seem to focus on educating students about standards. 

The fields of electrical engineering, smart buildings, electronics, and computer programming are particularly dynamic, and a lot of companies swear by standards. Staying updated with the latest standards and best practices is not merely a choice but a necessity for engineers operating in these domains. Failure to keep pace with these developments may lead to professional stagnation and a diminished ability to contribute meaningfully to the field. Standards are common in these engineers’ tool cases. 

Understanding Standards and Best Practices

Standards are the established guidelines and benchmarks that outline the knowledge, skills, and competencies expected from engineers in their respective fields. These standards serve as the foundation of engineering education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. A lot of engineering curriculum was worked out starting from standards established in early 20th century.

Knowing engineering standards have a lot of power in enhancing careers.

When you are getting to start to work in the field of Engineering, do make it a point to get familiar with several standards. Society of Automotive Engineers, The Society For Standards Professionals, and The American Society of Mechanical Engineers are some good places to start with.

Knowledge of standards increases your employability and competitiveness in the job market. Employers often seek candidates who exhibit a strong understanding of industry standards and best practices, as it reflects their commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in their work. By demonstrating their knowledge of these standards, young engineers can position themselves as valuable assets to potential employers. You know how you could easily get a leg up over your competition now. 

Moreover, staying informed about standards and best practices enables young engineers to adapt quickly to emerging technologies and methodologies. By continuously updating their skills and knowledge based on the latest standards and practices you can proactively engage with cutting-edge technologies and stay ahead of the curve.

This exposure enables you to think critically, analyze problems from different angles, and devise creative solutions that are informed by global best practices.

For senior engineers, a deep understanding of standards and best practices offers numerous opportunities for career advancement and professional development. By acquiring specialized knowledge, you could position themselves as experts in your respective domains, leading to increased recognition and respect within the industry. This expertise makes you valuable assets to organizations, as they can provide unique insights and guidance in implementing industry standards. 

It is good to be respected by employers and peers in the engineering community, as it opens doors and earning avenues. 

Furthermore, adherence to standards and best practices enhances the credibility of senior engineers within the engineering community. Their extensive knowledge and experience are acknowledged by peers, industry professionals, and regulatory bodies, which opens doors to collaborative projects, research opportunities, and invitations to speak at conferences and seminars.

By actively participating in these professional activities, you could expand their network, exchange ideas, and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.

Senior engineers also play a crucial role in implementing industry standards and best practices. With their wealth of experience, they can guide and mentor younger professionals, ensuring the consistent application of high-quality standards throughout projects. By passing on their knowledge and expertise, senior engineers contribute to the development of the next generation of engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism within the industry.

Standards are often passed from one generation to the next, with each generation adding to the wisdom handed down to them by their seniors. 

How Standards bring Engineers together 

Global collaboration enables engineers to tackle complex challenges that transcend national boundaries. Issues such as climate change, renewable energy integration, and urbanization require collective efforts and diverse perspectives. By exchanging ideas and collaborating with professionals from different regions, engineers can develop innovative solutions that address these global challenges effectively. Bringing engineers to a common forum is important to start to work together on common solutions.

Examples from North America, Europe, and the Middle East highlight the impact of learning standards and best practices on industry and global collaboration. In North America, organizations such as the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) establish and maintain standards that govern electrical and mechanical engineering, respectively.

These standards ensure the safety and reliability of products and systems, while also promoting interoperability and compatibility. For instance, the NEMA enclosure standards for electrical equipment ensure proper protection against environmental factors and electrical hazards, providing a benchmark for manufacturers and installers to follow. The public engineering bodies like Power companies, transportation companies, and other infrastructure companies in these regions take the requirements laid down by these standards quite seriously while selecting vendors and partners for various projects. 

In Europe, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) develop and harmonize standards for various engineering disciplines. The IEC sets global standards for electrical engineering, ensuring interoperability and safety in electrical devices and systems. Meanwhile, CEN works towards the harmonization of standards within the European Union (EU), facilitating the free movement of goods and services across member states. The Eurocode standards for structural design and the EN standards for electrical equipment exemplify the impact of these efforts on construction and electrical engineering practices in Europe.

In the Middle East, countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have embraced high standards and best practices to support their rapid infrastructure development. The UAE’s Estidama program, for instance, sets sustainable building standards and promotes energy-efficient practices. Through programs like Estidama, the UAE not only ensures the quality and longevity of its built environment but also contributes to global efforts in sustainability and green building practices.

The influence of standards and best practices extends beyond individual countries and regions. International standards, such as the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards, provide a common framework for engineers worldwide. These standards cover a wide range of disciplines, including quality management, environmental management, and information security. By adhering to ISO standards, companies demonstrate their commitment to international best practices, enhance their credibility in global markets, and facilitate trade and collaboration across borders.