Standardization refers to "the activity of establishing common and repeatedly used terms for actual or potential issues within a defined scope, and the compilation, publication, and application of documents, in order to achieve the best order and promote mutual benefits." The definition of standardization includes six aspects of characteristics:

1. The overall purpose of standardization activities is to eliminate confusion, establish the best order, and promote the common benefits of humanity through the acquisition of order.

2. The scope of standardization activities is defined, and the professional scope of the involved standardization fields is also defined.

3. From a macro perspective, the objects of standardization are "actual or potential issues." Specific standardization activities have their particular objects.

4. Standardization activities include four aspects: establishing terms, compiling documents, publishing documents, and applying documents.

5. In standardization activities, the outcome of document formulation is "standardization documents" (mostly "standards"), while the outcome of applying documents is the establishment of a technical order.

6. Standardization activities generate benefits through the establishment of a technical order.