Industry analysis certification organisations in North America

Manufacturers of electrical devices in North America have traditionally been regulatory bound to demonstrate that their products comply with all applicable national standards prior to distribution or use. The means and methods available to do so have substantially changed in the last two decades. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the approach the certification industry has adopted to accommodate change and to evaluate its ability to evolve and meet foreseeable trends. The analysis will include use of Porter’s Five Forces Framework to isolate the key issues facing certification industry and to identify both effective and ineffective practices of the leading firms in addressing these trends. Current and future issues confronting the industry include staffing, globalisation, technology, corporate structure and methods of finance. Each variable is interconnected. The summary chapter offers an overview of the issues and the outcomes the industry should strive toward.