The Essence of Standardization and a Way of Calculating Its Benefit

In this paper an attempt is made to find out the universal goal of standardization, to perceive the essence of standardization. At that we encounter a contradiction inherent in standardization, the so-called standardization paradox. To solve the paradox, a postulate is formulated proceeding from the relations between a human being and variety. On ground of the postulate an economic model of standardization is composed. This model briefly described in the paper is used while working out a method for evaluating the benefits of standardization in designing and production.