One World.. Why Not One Standard and One Mark?

The concept of having only one standard and one mark might seem like the Holy Grail for many specification writers. Given the surge in market globalization over the past decade, there is a growing desire to harmonize the array of standards and facilitate cooperative recognition among testing agencies. This is increasingly becoming a goal whether one is a design professional trying to specify a building product or a manufacturer trying to produce one. The question remains as to whether simplification and uniformity truly benefit design/construction professionals, manufacturers, and end-users. The answer may be revealed by reviewing what the industry is up against in the quest for uniformity, what has been accomplished, and what still needs to be done.