Efficiency Methods
An Introduction to Scientific Management

STANDARDIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION 69 suited to his own circumstances. The advantages of classification of some kind are described by Mr. Thompson in the expression that they “ give a business a memory.” We would rather say that the records form the memory, but that records are simple waste of time if they cannot be found promptly and used readily. Further, records should be made as brief as possible, just as instructions should be made as brief as possible, consistent with clearness. A system in which symbols cannot be easily interpreted, above all a system in which documents for reference are difficult to find, will become more of a burden than a help, more of an expense than an economy. We have said that classification leads in good management to standardization ; that is, to the selection of a few definite types instead of many scattered items differing by a few details, and to the constant aim of getting each type to conform more exactly and perfectly to its purpose. We must now enquire how standardization affects: (a) the store- room, and (b) the stock of tools. Next in order will come the standardization of methods of work, where the human element enters, and makes all the prob- lems more difficult and elaborate. But before closing this chapter we may refer to the effect of standard- ization in the designing and drawing departments. For the most part we are assuming that the drawing department would not undergo any very vital changes when efficiency methods are being installed, because it is usually the department where