What is the National Institute of Standards
Dennis AuBuchon
March 12, 2010
This institute was created in 1901 and is part of the Department of Commerce. It was the first federal physical science research laboratory. It is a non-regulatory federal agency who has a mission to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) performs or promotes a broad range of topics which are aimed to help U.S. businesses compete in a world economy. It also has an impact on our everyday lives that many of us do not realize. One of the impacts on our lives is the Internet Time Service of the NIST which sets computer clocks and other networked timekeeping devices. It is used by NASDAQ members to time-stamp hundreds of billions of dollars work of stock trades and other financial transactions conducted every business day.
Another aspect of this agency is the system of calibration requirements established by the NIST. Calibration involves a system of validating measurements taken during development, testing, maintenance, and operation of equipment through the business world. When you think about it every industry involves measurements to assure products meet requirements. If there was no system of verifying the accuracy, consistency and reliability of measurements through established standards inconsistencies would exist in the products we buy. This could result in the same basic product from different manufacturers not working or fitting the same.
We as consumers like to have choices and as such we like products to fit and work regardless of who makes them. An example would be the production of light bulbs. There are various brands from which to choose and having a distinct standard of measurement for size assures that the same wattage light bulb will work regardless of the manufacturer.
The mission of this agency was identified above in the first paragraph but there are other important facts. The vision of this organization is to be the world´s leader in creating critical measurement solutions and promoting equitable standards. The core competencies of the organization involve measurement science, rigorous traceability and development and use of standards. Traceability is a key factor. Without traceability there can be no assurance for accuracy and capability of the equipment taking the measurements.
The four core values of this agency are also important. These values are ones that should be included in other departments and agencies if not already. The values and the approach are noted below:
People – We value and support an inclusive, engaged, and diverse workforce capable of fulfilling the NIST mission.
Integrity – We are objective, ethical and honest
Customer focus – We anticipate the needs of our customers and are committed to meeting and exceeding their expectations.
Excellence – We expect world-class performance and continuous improvement in all we do.
These are excellence values and something that should be a part of all government organizations and businesses in the private sector. Embracing these values is important not only to business success but they are also important to achieving respect for the work being accomplished wherever it is done. To put this organization in perspective it is involved directly or indirectly with every aspect of the products we purchase and/or use. Typically most individuals do not like to have such involvement by a government agency in their lives but this involvement is a positive one.
I have had several positions in the past and writing this article about this organization brought back experiences for which I now see even more clearly the impact this organization has on the economy. It creates confidence in business systems and measurements for the products each produces. Creating confidence is also a blessing in the world economy. Customers must have confidence in the products businesses are providing. This is important for those companies who want to compete successfully in a global economy.
The systems/requirements established by this organization are a positive addition to how businesses must operate. Those that do not adhere to the principles and requirements maintained by this organization will ultimately have problems. It is true that sometimes failures occur but the systems/requirements in place have processes to address situations that surface. One such system is calibration. The accuracy of measurements taken affects the very conformance of products to requirements. When measurements taken in business are found to have errors there are mechanisms in place or that should be in place to address products affected by the errors identified.
The involvement of this agency is essential to U.S. prosperity. The scope is enormous as it is involved or impacts manufacturing, health care, science and technology, safety and security among others. Their reach extends to foreign countries throughout the world as changes to the standards cover 25 industry sectors and encompass 90 per cent of world trade. This is an organization that cannot be ignored if you want to have a successful business. Along with the requirements there are also programs in place to help businesses succeed. This is just a glimpse of how important this agency is and how it impacts us in ways we do not even realize. For more details of this organization and its activities check the web site link below:
http://www.nist.gov/index.html
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) performs or promotes a broad range of topics which are aimed to help U.S. businesses compete in a world economy. It also has an impact on our everyday lives that many of us do not realize. One of the impacts on our lives is the Internet Time Service of the NIST which sets computer clocks and other networked timekeeping devices. It is used by NASDAQ members to time-stamp hundreds of billions of dollars work of stock trades and other financial transactions conducted every business day.
Another aspect of this agency is the system of calibration requirements established by the NIST. Calibration involves a system of validating measurements taken during development, testing, maintenance, and operation of equipment through the business world. When you think about it every industry involves measurements to assure products meet requirements. If there was no system of verifying the accuracy, consistency and reliability of measurements through established standards inconsistencies would exist in the products we buy. This could result in the same basic product from different manufacturers not working or fitting the same.
We as consumers like to have choices and as such we like products to fit and work regardless of who makes them. An example would be the production of light bulbs. There are various brands from which to choose and having a distinct standard of measurement for size assures that the same wattage light bulb will work regardless of the manufacturer.
The mission of this agency was identified above in the first paragraph but there are other important facts. The vision of this organization is to be the world´s leader in creating critical measurement solutions and promoting equitable standards. The core competencies of the organization involve measurement science, rigorous traceability and development and use of standards. Traceability is a key factor. Without traceability there can be no assurance for accuracy and capability of the equipment taking the measurements.
The four core values of this agency are also important. These values are ones that should be included in other departments and agencies if not already. The values and the approach are noted below:
People – We value and support an inclusive, engaged, and diverse workforce capable of fulfilling the NIST mission.
Integrity – We are objective, ethical and honest
Customer focus – We anticipate the needs of our customers and are committed to meeting and exceeding their expectations.
Excellence – We expect world-class performance and continuous improvement in all we do.
These are excellence values and something that should be a part of all government organizations and businesses in the private sector. Embracing these values is important not only to business success but they are also important to achieving respect for the work being accomplished wherever it is done. To put this organization in perspective it is involved directly or indirectly with every aspect of the products we purchase and/or use. Typically most individuals do not like to have such involvement by a government agency in their lives but this involvement is a positive one.
I have had several positions in the past and writing this article about this organization brought back experiences for which I now see even more clearly the impact this organization has on the economy. It creates confidence in business systems and measurements for the products each produces. Creating confidence is also a blessing in the world economy. Customers must have confidence in the products businesses are providing. This is important for those companies who want to compete successfully in a global economy.
The systems/requirements established by this organization are a positive addition to how businesses must operate. Those that do not adhere to the principles and requirements maintained by this organization will ultimately have problems. It is true that sometimes failures occur but the systems/requirements in place have processes to address situations that surface. One such system is calibration. The accuracy of measurements taken affects the very conformance of products to requirements. When measurements taken in business are found to have errors there are mechanisms in place or that should be in place to address products affected by the errors identified.
The involvement of this agency is essential to U.S. prosperity. The scope is enormous as it is involved or impacts manufacturing, health care, science and technology, safety and security among others. Their reach extends to foreign countries throughout the world as changes to the standards cover 25 industry sectors and encompass 90 per cent of world trade. This is an organization that cannot be ignored if you want to have a successful business. Along with the requirements there are also programs in place to help businesses succeed. This is just a glimpse of how important this agency is and how it impacts us in ways we do not even realize. For more details of this organization and its activities check the web site link below:
http://www.nist.gov/index.html
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