Geometrical Product Specification

Geometrical Product Specification (GPS) is the methodology that has been developed by ISO to address various shortcomings in the traditional tools for specifying the geometrical requirements of engineering components.

GPS is a formal methodology for fully defining work-piece geometry.

It does not replace traditional techniques (use of datums, dimensions, etc).

It just shows you how to use them properly, and has reviewed, revised and extended these traditional tools where necessary.

The GPS language is based on a number of interlinked ISO standards.

These form the basis for component specifications in emerging economies such as India and China, as well as across Europe, and a large part of rest of the industrialised world.

GPS is also the driving philosophy behind BS 8888, the British Standard for Technical Product Specification, which replaced BS 308 seven years ago.

Early adopters of this system have reported major reductions in production costs.

The potential to cut costs and improve productivity with this system is clearly huge, and gains in quality, reliability and time-to-market can also be expected.

The consequences of ignoring GPS are equally great.

Poorly toleranced components require perpetual tweaks and adjustments to try and make them fit for purpose. This is expensive, and hampers the pace of product development.

All too often poor quality parts find their way into production, and manufacturers suffer the consequences of products which are unreliable and functionally inadequate – recalls, warranty claims, customer dissatisfaction, negative publicity – damaging to reputations and balance sheets alike.

Our GPS Pocket Guide will be available shortly as a handy reference guide to the basic elements of Geometrical Product Specification. We offer various courses in GPS, including a 4 day foundation course designed to get engineers and designers up and running with the system.