The Importance of Using Official Technical Standards
In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, the use of official technical standards has become a critical element in ensuring safety, quality, and consistency across all sectors of industry, science, and technology. These standards are developed and maintained by nationally and internationally recognized organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and, in Brazil, the Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT). They are the result of collaborative efforts among experts, industry professionals, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to create best practices, define minimum requirements, and establish reliable references that can be used globally.

One of the most important aspects of using technical standards is safety. Standards help mitigate risks by providing clear guidelines that must be followed in the design, development, installation, and maintenance of products and systems. For example, in civil construction, adhering to structural standards prevents failures that could lead to property damage or even loss of life. In the electrical and mechanical sectors, safety standards protect both users and technicians by defining proper materials, tolerances, and procedures. In the digital world, cybersecurity standards help ensure that data is stored, processed, and transmitted securely, reducing the chances of unauthorized access, fraud, or cyberattacks.

Beyond safety, standardization ensures quality and reliability. By following clearly defined processes and specifications, manufacturers and service providers can maintain consistent results, which improves customer satisfaction and trust. Standards often undergo periodic review and revision to keep up with technological advancements and changing societal needs, which ensures they remain relevant and effective.

Another key benefit is interoperability—the ability for systems, devices, and services to work together seamlessly, even if developed by different manufacturers or used in different countries. This is particularly important in sectors such as telecommunications, information technology, healthcare, and transportation. Without common standards, global integration and collaboration would be far more difficult, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and limited innovation.

From an economic standpoint, the widespread use of official technical standards can boost productivity and reduce costs. Standardized processes and measurements reduce errors, simplify training, and minimize the need for customization. For governments and regulators, standards provide a solid foundation for developing public policies and regulations, ensuring that products and services meet essential safety and performance requirements.

Moreover, the collective adoption of standards by all stakeholders—governments, businesses, professionals, and consumers—is what truly gives them power. If only a portion of the market adheres to a given standard, its effectiveness is weakened. But when everyone is aligned, the results are widespread safety, compatibility, fairness, and efficiency. This alignment also facilitates international trade, as countries that adopt global standards can more easily enter new markets and compete globally.
In addition, using standards supports sustainable development. Many technical standards now incorporate environmental and social criteria, encouraging more responsible use of resources, energy efficiency, and ethical labor practices. Organizations that implement these standards not only improve their operations but also contribute to broader global goals.
In conclusion, the use of official technical standards is far more than a bureaucratic requirement. It is a strategic, ethical, and practical approach. Encouraging and committing to the use of these standards is a responsibility we all share.