Overview
ISO/IEC 21117:2012 is an international standard that defines the requirements for specification sheets of electrophotographic digital copying machines and multi-function devices used in office environments. Developed by ISO and IEC, this standard ensures that manufacturers provide clear, consistent, and comparable information about copier and multifunction device features, performance, and environmental characteristics. By standardizing the content and format of device specification sheets, ISO/IEC 21117:2012 empowers purchasers and users to make informed decisions when selecting office equipment that meets their operational, productivity, and sustainability needs.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 21117:2012, specification sheets, office equipment standard, copier test methods, multifunction device specifications, electrophotographic copier, performance comparison.
Key Topics
ISO/IEC 21117:2012 covers several essential aspects for specification sheets and related test methods for copying machines and multi-function devices, including:
- Main Unit Specifications: Detailed parameters for product identification, machine type (portable, desktop, console), copying method (analog/digital), color capability, photoreceptor type, memory capacity, and dimensions.
- Performance Metrics: Standardized ways to present copying speed, first-copy-out time, warm-up time, maximum number of continuous copies, and productivity based on referenced ISO test methods (e.g., ISO/IEC 24735, ISO/IEC 29183).
- Consumables and Materials: Requirements for indicating acceptable paper types, sizes, weights, and non-image areas, as well as details for original materials and paper supply capacity.
- Environmental and Safety Information: Mandates inclusion of power consumption, acoustical noise levels (in line with ISO 7779 and ISO 9296), EMC, safety regulations, and operating environment ranges.
- Extended and Optional Features: Guidelines for documenting scanner, printer, facsimile, and network functions as well as supported protocols, interface types, driver standards, and embedded options.
- Accessory Specifications: Separate sections and test methods for document feeders, paper supply devices, sorters, finishers, and their respective configurations and capacities.
Applications
ISO/IEC 21117:2012 has broad and practical applications across the office equipment lifecycle:
- Procurement and Vendor Comparison: Enables organizations to objectively compare specifications from multiple vendors, supporting transparent and competitive equipment selection.
- Regulatory and Environmental Compliance: Provides clarity on energy consumption, acoustical emissions, and safety, aiding compliance with local and international standards.
- Technical Documentation and Marketing: Guides manufacturers and resellers in developing comprehensive specification sheets and marketing collateral, enhancing communication with buyers.
- Performance Benchmarking: Offers standardized methods to test and report key performance indicators, allowing users to verify manufacturer claims and meet operational expectations.
- Device Integration and IT Planning: Assists IT managers in identifying devices with compatible network, scanning, and printing functions for seamless integration into office ecosystems.
Related Standards
ISO/IEC 21117:2012 references and aligns with several key international standards relevant to office equipment:
- ISO 7779:2010 - Measurement of airborne noise emitted by information technology and telecommunications equipment.
- ISO 9296:1988 - Declared noise emission values of computer and business equipment.
- ISO/IEC 24734 - Method for measuring digital printing productivity.
- ISO/IEC 24735 - Method for measuring digital copying productivity.
- ISO/IEC 29183 - Method for measuring digital copying productivity of a single one-sided original.
These standards ensure that equipment testing, performance reporting, and environmental characteristics are measured and communicated consistently across the industry, further enhancing the value and usability of ISO/IEC 21117:2012 in global office environments.