05.09.24

Company standards training: SNV pilot project successfully implemented

It is not always easy for companies to find their way through the jungle of standards. This is why the SNV launched the innovative pilot project “Company standards training”. This provides companies on site with the basic knowledge they need to work successfully in the field of standardization in the future. SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH Stahlcenter AG, or SCHMOBI for short, based in Wil SG, took part in the pilot project.

In the past, the SNV has repeatedly found that many companies lack basic knowledge of standards, resulting in inefficiencies and fear of contact. It therefore launched the pilot project at the beginning of 2024. Small and medium-sized companies that are active in the industrial sector and therefore come into contact with standardization were requested for an initial implementation. However, the training is basically aimed at all sectors. SCHMOBI immediately agreed to participate. For the well-known steel service provider, which employs around 100 people at its site in Bronschhofen, standardization is an integral part of everyday working life, especially for the internal sales team.

Training meets with great interest

Once the first company had been selected for the pilot project, internal training preparations at the SNV were in full swing. A training team of three people was put together, consisting of long-standing SNV employees from the areas of standardization, training and switec Infocenter.

Around 18 people from the steel trader – including employees from quality management, sales and logistics – took part in the three-hour, practice-oriented basic standards training course. Due to the high number of participants, the group was split up and the training was held twice. The training focused on the following topics, among others:

• Understanding the structure and organization of standards and applying them effectively
• Standards management: keeping track of new standards and revisions
• Standards in a legal context: Is the application of standards voluntary? When and why are they part of legislation? How is copyright regulated?
• Background knowledge: WTO, international free trade, harmonized standards, etc.

Creating acceptance for standards

Marco Hartmann, Head of Quality Management at SCHMOBI, gives his feedback on the training: “The training was worthwhile for us in many respects: on the one hand, fundamental questions about standardization were clarified, and on the other hand, the newly acquired knowledge created greater acceptance for standards in general. The exciting, varied and practice-oriented content showed that standardization is anything but a dry and dusty subject.”

Second module: Company-specific training

The optional second part of the training focuses on the standards applied by the companies. The SNV training team uses examples to address specific standards issues, discuss challenges and develop solutions. This provides companies with the necessary know-how to make their work with standards easier in the future.

Contact us

Would your company also like to benefit from basic training in the field of standardization? Or are you interested in company-specific training that focuses on the standards used in your company? Then get in touch with us without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.