The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for various industries in the United States. Founded in 1918, ANSI coordinates the efforts of organizations that create standards, ensuring they are consistent and widely accepted. These standards cover a range of areas, including safety, quality, and efficiency. ANSI also represents the U.S. in international standardization efforts, working with organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). By promoting standardization, ANSI helps improve product quality, enhance safety, and facilitate trade, benefiting both consumers and businesses across the nation.