Standards Comparison

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    European standard for steel and aluminium structural execution

    VS

    ISO 56002

    Voluntary
    2019

    International guidance for innovation management systems

    Quick Verdict

    EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium via FPC and execution classes in EU construction, while ISO 56002 provides voluntary guidance for building innovation management systems across all sectors. Fabricators ensure market access; innovators drive strategic capability.

    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4) scaling requirements
    • Factory Production Control (FPC) enabling CE marking
    • Conformity assessment by notified bodies under CPR
    • Technical execution rules for steel and aluminium
    • Welding quality management via ISO 3834 alignment
    Innovation Management

    ISO 56002

    ISO 56002:2019 Innovation management system — Guidance

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • PDCA cycle with Clauses 4-10 structure
    • Leadership commitment and future-focused governance
    • Portfolio management and stage-gate processes
    • Balanced KPIs for inputs, outcomes, learning
    • Tailorable guidance for all organization sizes

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It enables CE marking for load-bearing components in construction works, using a risk-based approach via Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4) to scale requirements proportionally to failure consequences.

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC), Declaration of Performance (DoP).
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium execution (materials, welding, tolerances, inspection).
    • Core principles: traceability, welding coordination (ISO 3834), NDT, tolerances.
    • Certification model: FPC certified by notified bodies with ongoing surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for EU market access; reduces liability, ensures safety. Drives capability in welding/traceability, unlocks high-risk projects, builds stakeholder trust via CE marking.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel quals, NB certification (3-12 months). Applies to fabricators in construction; requires audits, training, digital traceability.

    ISO 56002 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 56002:2019 is an international guidance standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Innovation Management System (IMS). It provides a generic, non-prescriptive framework applicable to all organizations, focusing on transforming innovation into a strategic capability through value realization. Structured around the PDCA cycle and Clauses 4-10.

    Key Components

    • Seven core clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Eight principles: value realization, future-focused leadership, strategic direction, culture, insights exploitation, uncertainty management, adaptability, systems thinking.
    • No fixed controls; emphasizes tailored governance, portfolio management, and continual improvement. Guidance only; pairs with ISO 56001 for certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives repeatable innovation outcomes, better ROI, and resilience.
    • Aligns innovation with strategy, manages risks like zombie projects.
    • Builds stakeholder confidence; voluntary but boosts competitiveness, especially for SMEs via diagnostics like PII.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: diagnose readiness, design governance, pilot, scale, audit.
    • Involves leadership workshops, tooling, KPIs, audits.
    • Suits all sizes/sectors; no mandatory certification but supports conformity assessments.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EN 1090
    Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structures
    ISO 56002
    Innovation management system framework and guidance

    Industry

    EN 1090
    Construction, fabrication; EU/EEA focus
    ISO 56002
    All sectors, sizes; global applicability

    Nature

    EN 1090
    Harmonized standard; mandatory CE marking
    ISO 56002
    Voluntary guidance; non-certifiable directly

    Testing

    EN 1090
    FPC certification, NDT, notified body audits
    ISO 56002
    Internal audits, management reviews, self-assessment

    Penalties

    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, legal liability, fines
    ISO 56002
    No legal penalties; lost competitive advantage

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EN 1090 and ISO 56002

    EN 1090 FAQ

    ISO 56002 FAQ

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