CELEBRATING OUR STANDARDS

FROM A DISTANCE, one would think there’s little glamour involved in ASME’s Codes and Standards program. The process is highly technical and, at times, seemingly mind-numbing.

But when it comes to developing some of the world’s most important technical codes and standards, there’s much more excitement than meets the eye. At the heart of it all is the noble goal to protect human lives and property.

This comprehensive commemorative issue of Mechanical Engineering magazine celebrates the 125th anniversary of ASME Codes and Standards. In it, we showcase one of the Society’s most important programs and salute the accomplishments of the hundreds of volunteers and staff members who have worked diligently on developing industry safety rules since 1884.

ME magazine Executive Editor Harry Hutchinson began working closely with codes and standards representatives assembling this issue back in November. Since then, the project has taken on a life of its own and has consumed much of Harry’s time, especially during April and May. The more Harry learned about Codes and Standards and how the process works, the more excited he became and the more he advocated for devoting as many pages as possible to the topic in this issue.

“I’m privileged to be a part of the celebration,” Harry told me after we wrapped up editing the last article. “This stuff is amazing.”

ASME Standards and Certification, as the program is known today, has had a clear roadmap since its inception. It also has benefited from a strong mission to enhance public safety and the environment; to facilitate global commerce and trade; to incorporate technological advances and provide for knowledge transfer; and to lessen the burdens of governments throughout the world.

Fittingly, as we celebrate its history and look toward the future of ASME’s codes and standards activities, the Society’s overarching governing body has revised the standards that govern ASME as a whole.

Since 2007 a task force of the Board of Governors has been working to revise ASME’s mission and vision statements so that they reflect the global perspective ASME has assumed and the international leadership position it has earned.

The revised mission statement is: To serve our diverse global communities by advancing, disseminating and applying engineering knowledge for improving the quality of life, and communicating the excitement of engineering.

The revised vision statement is: ASME will be the essential resource for mechanical engineers and other technical professionals throughout the world for solutions that benefit humankind.

“A mission statement drives its vision and the strategic plans, improving the effectiveness of an organization,” said ASME President Thomas M. Barlow, who will complete his one-year term at the end of this month. “Clarity in ASME’s mission and vision helps us stay on track despite a broad and diverse network of volunteers and members.”

We congratulate the Board of Governors on its forward thinking and the organization’s landmark codes and standards program for successfully implementing its own mission during the past 125 years.

—John G. Falcioni, Editor-in-Chief
He can be reached by e-mail at falcionij@asme.org