TS 13081

TS 13081 is a standard that organises the terms and definitions used in consultancy services. By covering both service-sector consultancy and industry-sector consultancy, it aims to keep the terminology used in these fields consistent and mutually understood. Standards of this type focus on the conceptual framework and language of the discipline rather than on a procedural method.

The technical meaning of consultancy

Consultancy is a professional service in which specialist knowledge is used to analyse problems, develop options, and provide recommendations for improvement. Service-sector consultancy often addresses management, organisation, productivity, process improvement, and similar subjects, while industry consultancy may focus on production, planning, quality, cost, work study, and operations management. Clear definitions reduce ambiguity in contracts, reports, training, and organisational communication.

What this standard contributes to common language

• Supports consistent use of key terms across service and industrial consultancy.
• Helps prevent misunderstandings caused by the same word being used differently in different contexts.
• Provides a shared reference point for concepts such as consultant, consultancy service, evaluation, and recommendation.
• Improves consistency in internal documentation, training materials, and technical communication.

From a general technical perspective, a terminology standard is not a method standard. It does not set out a detailed procedure for how consultancy must be delivered; instead, it standardises the language of the field. In that sense, TS 13081 provides a conceptual base that helps professionals across sectors speak about consultancy in a clear and aligned way.