BY JOSEPH A. NAUJOKAS, NAUJOKAS & ASSOCIATES,
ICMA STANDARDS REPRESENTATIVE
It is very important to know the difference in implementing a standard
and to be able to determine what parts of the standard are Informative.
Let's start with the definitions. Referring to two different dictionaries
one old and one new, the most meaningful definitions in the context
of standards is:
Normative - of, relating to, or prescribing rules or authoritative
standards.
Informative - imparting knowledge.
That pretty well describes the difference. Standards by definition
are Normative, and if you want to be in compliance, you must adhere
to the prescribed rules. During the development of standards, the experts
accrue considerable knowledge of the subject that may be useful to the
user of the standard. They place that information in the standard as
Informative, imparting knowledge.
Informative should not be confused with Optional. Many standards offer
multiple implementations. When an option is selected, the user must
adhere to all the rules (or specifications) of the option to be in compliance.
Since Informative is only providing information, compliance does not
require any adherence to Informative parts. Actually, in precise ISO
terminology, "Informative items are not part of the standard".
There are two ways to place Informative material into a standard:
1. Add notes in the body of text
2. Insert Informative Annex
In regard to the use of Notes, the ISO directives state:
"Notes in this standard are only used for giving additional information
intended to assist in the understanding or use of the standard and do
not contain provisions or requirements to which it is necessary to conform
in order to be able to claim compliance with this standard."
Strange as it may seem, it has been my experience that the discussions
over Informative parts of the standard are more intense than the Normative
parts. I am aware of at least three such instances in Card Standards:
1. Static Magnetic Characteristics for HiCo Mag stripes
2. Card Opacity notes relating to translucent cards and the opacity
free zone
3. Proprietary Interfaces for Proximity Contactless IC Card Standards.
They are all so controversial, that it would be foolish to attempt
any analysis in this short space. However, they probably all have one
factor in common. The "Informative" mechanism is used not only as means
to provide information to the user but also as a tool to allow some
recognition of a minority position in the standard. This recognition
can be quite helpful in achieving the consensus that is vital to the
standards development process.
The next time you see "Note…" or "Informative Annex" in a standard,
remember it is not part of the standard, but at least read it. The experts
add these items with good reason and much deliberation. Also, your customer
may ask you to conform to an Informative Annex.