Standardisation intended to create quality actually raises barriers and accelerates consolidation. It is economically sound, democratic and inclusive in theory but competitive gatekeeping dressed in quality assurance language is where standards actually sit — they tilt toward large manufacturers with capital.
The cost barrier: ISO 100K to 750K implementation cost is prohibitive for large manufacturers but it is devastating for small operations. A company spending $300K allocates 3 percent of revenue if it is a $10 million manufacturer spending $300K, and it allocates 0.3 percent if it is a $100 million manufacturer spending $300K. Same cost, dramatically different impact.
How standardisation crushes competition: After standards, quality demonstrable. Either meet standards or do not. No gray area. Buyers specify ISO compliance in RFQs. Suppliers that cannot comply do not get invited to bid. Small manufacturers are systematically excluded from growing segments.
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