Biometrics – new ISO/IEC Standard ensures security of biometric data online

Issue 31 – September 2011

Biometrics provide a unique link to an individual that is nearly or absolutely impossible to fake and include recognition technologies based on face, iris or palm images, voice patterns, and the like – for example, fingerprint scans used to access a computer, or iris scans to cross border control. Biometrics are increasingly being used to automatically identify individuals and as a reliable way to authenticate online transactions. Information technology – Security techniques – Biometric information protection ISO/IEC 24745:2011is a new Standard toensure security and privacy when managing and processing biometric information.

ISO Standard for sensory assessment of colours

Issue 31 – September 2011

Whether we argue that an object is purple instead of blue, or green instead of yellow, may depend on the time of day, the light source and surrounding environment, or our individual colour vision. This can be problematic for industry when comparing products through sensory analysis. Sensory analysis – Guidelines for sensory assessment of the colour of products ISO 11037:2011 ensures that sensory colour assessments are conducted under similar conditions and results are communicated in a consistent manner.

World Standards Day 14 October 2011 – International Standards – creating confidence globally

Issue 31 – September 2011

World Standards Day is celebrated each year on 14 October to pay tribute to the efforts of the thousands of experts worldwide who collaborate with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and ITU (the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs) to develop Standards. These Standards facilitate trade, spread knowledge, and share technological advances. The theme for this year's World Standards Day on 14 October 2011 is 'International Standards – creating confidence globally'.

Accessible packaging design – new ISO Standard

Issue 31 – September 2011

ISO 11156:2011 Packaging – Accessible design – General requirements provides a framework for packaging design that takes into account the varying physical and sensory capabilities of users. This ensures the packaging can be used not only by people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities, but also by the elderly, the temporarily disabled – and by those with no disability at all.

Behind the scenes – the making of an ISO international Standard

Issue 31 – September 2011

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards are everywhere. They have been applied to the brakes on our cars, the pipes of our houses, the floors and windows, our computers and printers, the food we consume, and much more. But few take notice of the thousands of Standards that enable us to carry out day-to-day activities such as emailing a digital photo to a loved one or riding our motorcycles and mopeds. It is only when Standards are absent that we realise their importance.

ISO releases 'Code of Conduct' for technical committees

Issue 31 – September 2011

The International Organization for Standardization is conducting a full review of its Standards development processes to make them simpler, faster, and better. A Code of Conduct (the Code) was drafted in consultation with the Technical Management Board and presented at the Technical Committee Chairs' conference in June 2011. The Code aims to make a positive contribution to ISO work by setting out endorsed conduct for participants in ISO technical meetings.

75th IEC General Meeting in Australia, October 2011

Issue 31 – September 2011

Standards New Zealand is proud to be a sponsor of the 75th International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) General Meeting (GM). The 75th IEC GM will be hosted by Standards Australia in Melbourne from 24 – 28 October 2011. The IEC General Meeting attracts over 1000 members and accompanying persons from 70 countries. Industry representatives, academics, regulators, and other major stakeholders will discuss technical and management issues and exchange ideas to help strengthen global cooperation among countries regarding electrical and electronic product Standards.

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IEC PUBLICATIONS

You can now purchase PDFs of IEC Standards from Standards New Zealand – please email enquiries@standards.co.nz or call 0800 782 632 during business hours to order PDFs. IEC Standards in hardcopy format are also available for purchase from our web site www.standards.co.nz by entering the Standard number and selecting the IEC button in the search panel.

ISO PUBLICATIONS

You can now purchase PDFs of ISO Standards from Standards New Zealand – please email enquiries@standards.co.nz or call 0800 782 632 during business hours to order PDFs. ISO Standards in hardcopy format are also available for purchase from our web site www.standards.co.nz by entering the Standard number and selecting the ISO button in the search panel.