In this early publication by ISO, the objectives of standardization are explained as well as the organizational structures of standardization at the international, national and company level. Examples are given for various technical fields to demonstrate the effect standards and harmonized measurement units can have in terms of variety reduction, simplification and economic benefits for producers as well as for consumers. Standards are described as a tool for management, in particular in the fields of design, production, purchasing, marketing and export, administration and the control of quality.