Rationalization - the sensible solution to technical tasks - remains the primary goal pursued through standardization. However, this term must be freed from its narrow economic interpretation so that it encompasses the optimization of various target values such as material use, labor input, energy consumption, safety, health, and the natural environment. This concept of rationalization also includes the objective of economic efficiency. Technical standardization in the Federal Republic of Germany is a task of self-administration by the interested parties in standardization. The DIN German Institute for Standardization e.V. serves as the round table where manufacturers, trade, consumers, crafts, service companies, science, technical supervision, and the state—essentially all those with an interest in standardization—come together to discuss the state of standardization.