Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

STANDARDIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION 63 dard specifications for materials simply cover all the points of possible variation which it is possible to cover at the time the specifications are drawn. Improvements in standards are wanted and adopted whenever and wherever they are found. There is absolutely nothing in standardization to preclude innovation. But to protect standards from change which are not in the direction of improvement certain safeguards are erected. These safeguards protect standards from change for the sake of change. All that is demanded under modern scientific management is that a proposed change in a standard must be scrutinized as carefully as the standard was scrutinized prior to its adoption, and further, that this work be done by experts as com- petent to do it as were those who originally framed the standard. Standards adopted and protected in this way produce the best that is known at any one time. Standardization practised in this way is a constant invitation to experimentation and im- provement.” This definition forms a line of defence against the accusation that the standardized becomes the stereotyped, and is not susceptible of improve- ment. The programme to which the new management is committed is that everyone should be doing the best work he can in the best possible way. For manage- ment itself the best way is through classification, both for attaining complete knowledge about, and for thorough organization of, all the resources. It