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Design & product specification

Design management is an area that is often overlooked in manufacturing - this can lead to waste and missed opportunities. Design mangement and product specification standards can help your manufacturing organization to reduce the environmental impact of its product, or help to make a valuable near-new product from an old one.

Identifying improvements in product design

Explore how standards address the issues surrounding technical design management

Why BS 8888:2025 matters more than ever for next-gen engineering
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Why BS 8888:2025 matters more than ever for next-gen engineering

In an industry defined by precision, complexity, and global collaboration, how we document and communicate engineering requirements is just as critical as the designs themselves. And that’s where BS 8888:2025, the UK’s national standard for technical product documentation and specification, comes into sharp focus. With its 10th edition, BS 8888 Technical product documentation and specification continues its legacy as an essential tool for mechanical and design engineers, bringing together a rapidly evolving landscape of international standards into one coherent, practical resource. In this article, we explore why BS 8888:2025 isn’t just another standard, but a strategic enabler of efficiency, compliance and quality across UK engineering and manufacturing. The origins of a national standard BS 8888 was originally introduced in 2000 to replace the much-loved BS 308 - the world’s first engineering drawing standard, first published in 1927. While BS 308 laid the groundwork for a generation of engineers, BS 8888 was developed to better reflect the ISO system of geometrical product specification (GPS) and technical product documentation (TPD). In essence, BS 8888 was built to be the UK's national gateway to ISO’s growing library of over 200 interconnected standards. But over the years, it has become far more than just a reference guide. It has evolved into a comprehensive design and specification framework, increasingly vital for modern, high-performance engineering. Discover our extensive catalogue of manufacturing standards by visiting our manufacturing industry page here. What makes BS 8888:2025 different? The 2025 edition is a major revision that reflects the latest changes across the global standards landscape. From updates to datums and tolerances to the inclusion of model-based definition (MBD) and additive manufacturing (AM) guidance, this edition is a forward-facing standard, designed for how engineering is practiced today and tomorrow. Key changes in BS 8888:2025 include: Updated guidance on general tolerances, including alignment with ISO 22081 and refreshed references to ISO 22768-1. Incorporation of ISO 5459 for datums and datum systems, bringing clarity to a foundational concept in GD&T. Expanded coverage of model-based definition (MBD), referencing ISO 16792, enabling a move away from 2D drawings to integrated 3D digital design environments. A fully revised surface texture section, reflecting the new ISO 21920 series and the retirement of legacy surface finish standards. New guidance on additive manufacturing (AM), offering support for specifying AM-produced parts with the same rigour as conventional methods. New section on the classification of requirements, linked to the ISO 24096 series. Restructured and streamlined layout for improved navigation and practical application. This revision is a purposeful overhaul aimed at helping UK engineers remain globally aligned, digitally fluent and future-ready. Why it matters: A strategic perspective In a time of technological acceleration and increased complexity across engineering projects, the value of a single, authoritative standard that consolidates hundreds of international documents cannot be overstated. Here’s why BS 8888:2025 deserves the attention of technical leads, quality managers and industry strategists alike: 1. A single source of truth One of the perennial challenges in engineering design is fragmentation. Different departments or suppliers may refer to different standards, versions, or interpretations, leading to inconsistencies and costly misunderstandings. BS 8888:2025 brings together all relevant guidance in one coherent standard, creating a single point of reference that eliminates ambiguity. 2. Global supply chain integration Whether you’re manufacturing in the UK, assembling in Europe, or sourcing components from Asia, your specifications need to speak a universal language. BS 8888 aligns with the ISO system, enabling consistent interpretation of drawings and tolerances across borders and suppliers. In an era of distributed design and globalized manufacturing, this isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. 3. Efficiency and speed to market Engineering is increasingly measured by speed and accuracy. Incomplete or inconsistent specifications delay production, increase queries, and result in rework. By promoting clarity and completeness in documentation, BS 8888 reduces risk, cuts development time and improves first-time quality. This is particularly important in fast-paced sectors such as automotive, aerospace and medical devices, where tight timelines and regulatory scrutiny are non-negotiable. 4. Support for digital transformation The inclusion of updated guidance on model-based definition (MBD) and additive manufacturing (AM) reflects BS 8888’s strategic alignment with the digital transformation of engineering. As the industry moves from paper-based or static 2D drawings to fully integrated 3D models, standards must evolve to support that shift. BS 8888:2025 ensures that whether your organization is just beginning its digital journey or fully immersed in CAD and PLM systems, you have the right framework to maintain traceability, compliance and design intent. Beyond productivity, BS 8888:2025 plays a critical role in risk management. Misinterpretation of technical drawings is one of the leading causes of non-conformance in manufacturing. Ambiguous symbols, outdated tolerances, or unclear datum structures can result in: Production delays. Expensive rework or scrap. Contractual disputes with suppliers. Safety issues for end users. By enforcing clear, standardised documentation practices, BS 8888:2025 minimizes the chance of these errors occurring, safeguarding your organization’s reputation and bottom line. Who should be using BS 8888:2025? The standard is particularly relevant to: Mechanical engineers and designers working across any sector. Manufacturing and production engineers responsible for interpreting drawings. Design consultancies and contractors providing outsourced design services. Quality assurance and inspection teams verifying compliance and conformity. Academia and training providers who are educating the next generation of engineers. Organizations still relying on BS 308, needing to modernize their practice. Industries already benefiting from BS 8888 include aerospace, defence, nuclear, automotive, rail, shipbuilding, and medical devices - all sectors where product complexity and regulatory requirements demand meticulous specification. Ready to upgrade your engineering practice? The 2025 edition is now available for purchase. If your organization is committed to quality, efficiency, and technical excellence, BS 8888:2025 belongs in your toolkit. Get your copy of BS 8888:2025 now and stay aligned with the future of technical product documentation.Read more
Setting the standard for technical drawings
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Setting the standard for technical drawings

The BS EN ISO 128 series is a set of fundamental technical drawings standards that are used globally. In 2020 the series – which had become rambling and unnecessarily complicated – was revised and consolidated into four new parts: Parts 1, 2, 3, and 100. These amalgamate all of the previous individual parts of the series into a clear and consistent suite of documents. Part 1 introduces the general principles of representation and covers fundamental requirements. Part 3 deals with views, sections, and cuts. Part 100 is the index. Part 2 in the series was the last to be published (in August 2020) as BS EN ISO 128-2:2020 Technical product documentation (TPD) — General principles of representation — Part 2: Basic conventions for lines. The Presentation of Lines BS EN ISO 128-2:2020 establishes the types of lines used in technical drawings (e.g. diagrams, plans, or maps), their designations and their configurations, as well as general rules for the drafting of lines. In addition, it specifies general rules for the representation of leader and reference lines and their components, as well as for the arrangement of instructions on or at leader lines in technical documents. The standard also includes annexes providing specific information on mechanical, construction, and shipbuilding technical drawings. Incidentally, for the purposes of these documents, the term “technical drawing” is interpreted in the broadest possible sense encompassing the total package of documentation specifying the product (workpiece, subassembly, and assembly). Revision and Amalgamation of Technical Drawing Standards BS EN ISO 128-2:2020 is also a revision and amalgamation of six former parts of the BS ISO 128 series, all of which are superseded and withdrawn. They are; BS ISO 128-23:1999, BS ISO 128-22:1999, BS ISO 128-25:1999, BS EN ISO 128-21:2001, BS EN ISO 128-20:2001, and BS ISO 128-24:2014. The main change in the 2020 version, aside from the amalgamation of these six former parts, is that the newly revised standard introduces a hierarchy for overlapping lines. Another change worth mentioning is that the rules of application, specific to various technical fields (i.e. construction technical drawings, mechanical engineering technical drawings, and shipbuilding technical drawings) are now provided in individual annexes. Information on the preparation of lines by CAD systems is also provided in an annex. The Importance of this Standard for Manufacturing Companies The standard is written for manufacturing companies, mechanical engineering organizations, and heavy industry that uses engineering drawings, and design offices and consultancies that need the basic requirements for the design and specification of their products on technical drawings (and/or on 3D models). The sectors in which the standard is typically used include aerospace, defense, automotive, nuclear, rail, and shipbuilding. It can be used for traditional 2D manual drawings or for 3D modeling on CAD systems. The standard is valuable because it simplifies and clarifies the creation of technical drawings, thus greatly reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation. Ultimately, therefore, its use can facilitate trade, increase people’s trust in your technical drawings and better manage your risk. Plus, this new consolidated standard is much more efficient to work with. Therefore, anyone whose work involves preparing technical drawings should now be using BS EN ISO 128-2:2020. In your compliance-critical industry, ensure you are meeting the industry design standards. A BSI Knowledge subscription gives you instant access to the resources you need to effectively complete technical drawing documentation and build trust throughout your supply chain. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more. Add standard BS EN ISO 128-2:2020 to your collection today.
Revolutionizing streetlight infrastructure: Introducing PAS 190 and PAS 191
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Revolutionizing streetlight infrastructure: Introducing PAS 190 and PAS 191

Lighting columns play an important role in the infrastructure of smart cities. They offer a practical and cost-effective solution for hosting a range of Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices. To support the development of our future cities, two new documents have been published to provide a common framework for the design, installation, and maintenance of multifunctional columns in smart city infrastructure. By repurposing existing lighting columns, local authorities can save costs on installing new infrastructure and minimize disruption to the urban environment. Additionally, multifunctional columns can provide valuable data that can be used to optimize and enhance city services, such as traffic management, public safety, and environmental monitoring. To do this effectively, owners of street infrastructure assets - including Local Authorities (LAs) and landlords - are increasingly asking for a common framework and terminology to help them decide the suitability of existing assets for current and future demands. As well as to support investment decisions for upgrades and replacements. As a result, the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), has sponsored the development of two Publicly Available Specifications (PASs): PAS 190 and PAS 191. PAS 190 is a code of practice that provides a set of recommendations to assess and categorize current lighting and CCTV column inventories for multi-functional use, while PAS 191 is a specification that provides requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of multifunctional columns. Discover more about how standards are supporting innovation in the public sector by visiting our Public Sector Topic Page. PAS 190: Assess current lighting and CCTV columns for multi-functional use PAS 190 Existing lighting and CCTV columns – Assessment for multi-functional use – Code of practice provides a set of recommendations to assess and categorize current lighting and CCTV column inventories for multi-functional use in smart city infrastructure. The PAS covers the technical factors relevant for assessing the suitability of modifying current column inventories for multi-functional use, including small cell radio access points (base stations including 4G and 5G networks), non-illuminated signage, advertising banners, hanging baskets, festive decorations, CCTV and other safety devices, sensors and other IoT devices, electric vehicle charging points, public address systems, and powered digital signage. The purpose of PAS 190 is to support local authorities, PFI providers, highways authorities, mobile network operators, neutral host operators, manufacturers and suppliers of smart city infrastructure, and installers and maintenance providers make strategic assessments of lighting and CCTV columns for multi-functional use. PAS 191: Design, installation and maintenance requirements for multifunctional columns PAS 191 Multifunctional columns – Design – Specification specifies design, installation, and maintenance requirements for multifunctional columns or structures based on one or more core functions, such as lighting, CCTV, sign poles, traffic signals, and mast-type structures. It covers various design and performance attributes, including smart equipment hosting, attachments, aesthetic function, physical security, durability, installation, and maintenance. The PAS is intended for use by specifiers, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors of multifunctional columns, as well as installers of attachments and equipment on such columns. Infrastructure owners, managers, and mobile network and neutral host operators can also benefit from this PAS when considering procuring assets for new locations or where existing assets are unsuitable for additional multifunctional use. Overall, the use of PAS 190 and PAS 191 can help promote the development of smart cities that are safe, secure, sustainable, and effective at meeting the needs of their citizens. Download both the documents today from BSI Knowledge.
How appliance standards ensure the safety and sustainability of refrigerating systems
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How appliance standards ensure the safety and sustainability of refrigerating systems

Refrigeration is such a familiar aspect of everyday life that it’s easy to lose sight of its hazards – but there are several, especially when refrigeration is undertaken on a commercial scale. Specific hazards come from excessive temperatures at compressor discharge, liquid slugging (the phenomenon of liquid entering the cylinder of a reciprocating compressor), operation errors, and reductions in mechanical strength that can be caused by corrosion, erosion, thermal stress, liquid hammer, or vibration. Corrosion needs special attention because alternate frosting and defrosting, and covering equipment with insulation, can often lead to it. Another hazard is that the most used refrigerants (other than R-717) are heavier than air and so it’s necessary to avoid stagnant pockets of heavy refrigerant vapors from building up. As well, refrigerants combined with oil, water, or other substances can also affect refrigerating systems chemically and physically. They have the potential to harm people, property, and the environment. Refrigerants must be selected with regard to the potential harm they can do to the environment, both locally and globally. And besides the impact of refrigerant leaks, there are other ways in which refrigerating systems can have negative environmental impacts, including because of their location, or from poor energy efficiency, service frequency, or control methods.  To read about sustainability in the manufacturing sector, click here. All these considerations have been fed into a four-part series of European standards, the first of which has just been amended, which is as follows: BS EN 378-1:2016+A1:2020 Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements - Part 1: Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria. BS EN 378: Refrigeration Operation, Maintenance, and Repair BS EN 378-1:2016+A1:2020 gives requirements for the safety of people and property, provides guidance for the protection of the environment, and establishes procedures for the operation, maintenance, and repair of refrigerating systems (including heat pumps) and the recovery of refrigerants. It also specifies the classification and selection criteria applicable to refrigerating systems, which are then used in parts 2, 3, and 4 of the series. The standard covers refrigerating systems that are stationary or mobile, of any size, except vehicle air conditioning systems covered by a specific product standard e.g. BS ISO 13043. BS EN 378 also covers secondary cooling or heating systems and applies to the location of refrigerating systems, to replace parts, and to components added after the standard is adopted. Annex C (on refrigerant charge limit requirements) specifies how to determine the amount of refrigerant permitted in a given space, which when exceeded, requires additional protective measures to reduce the risk. Annex E (on safety classification and information about refrigerants) specifies criteria for safety and environmental considerations of different refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning. This standard covers new refrigerating systems, extensions or modifications to already existing systems; and for existing stationary systems, being transferred to and operated on another site. It also applies where a system has been converted to another refrigerant type. The Importance of the Amendments to Standard BS EN 378 BS EN 378-1 is widely used because it provides a simple route to conforming with complex legal requirements, especially those related to the EU’s pressure equipment and machinery safety directives. Users will therefore need to be on top of the 2020 amendments to the standard. These consist of an update to the definition of split systems; the introduction of modified conditions for the application of alternative provisions to Annex C (on risk management of refrigerating systems in occupied spaces); and the replacement of three extensive tables in Annex E covering safety classifications and information about refrigerants.  These updates keep the standard current and ensure it continues to fulfill its purpose, which is to minimize the possible hazards to people, property, and the environment from refrigerating systems and refrigerants. Want to access and manage the standards you need to support your refrigerating systems - all in one place? With a BSI Knowledge subscription, you will have the flexibility and visibility to manage the essential standards you need to ensure the safety of your appliances with confidence. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to our pre-built module and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more. Ensure your organization provides safe and environmentally sound refrigerating systems by adding standard BS EN 378-1:2016+A1:2020 to your collection today.

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