For standards to be useful it is essential that they be directed at the prevailing business trends. As we approach the 21st Century, we see a world in which global trade between nations continues to grow at a rate three to four times faster than national economies; we see trade barriers falling; and we see that most goods are no longer produced in one community for use solely in that location. Products may be marketed in Europe having been assembled in the U.S. from components made in Asia. International competition is here.
The following two sub-paragraphs restate ideas from the "Strategy and Objectives" of this Plan, but understanding their importance to meeting our market needs warrant repeating：
(1) In today's fierce competitive business climate companies must sell in world markets to survive and grow. Thus, their products must meet the standards that are recognized in these markets. Critical to meeting industry and consumer needs is the ability to produce the standards in a timely manner, ensuring that they reflect current and emerging technologies, and that they are kept up to date. Time and timing are the key issues. With the use of today's electronic communications and the streamlining of the development process, the time from concept to an approved standard has been reduced significantly. We must continue to strive for even greater improvement.
(2) Because of the rapid changes in technology, product life cycles are becoming shorter. The customer wants to protect his investment; therefore, a greater emphasis will be placed on products meeting accepted standards. Standards must be developed concurrently with new technology. Standards must be focused on interchangeability and performance, rather than detail design, to allow improved technology to be used. To convert technology advancements into products in a timely manner, the ship design cycle will be shortened. A body of current standards is required so that new technology can be combined with existing technology in a building-block approach. It is also obvious that the standards we produce must be of the highest caliber to define high quality, cost- effective products. They must also define a product that can be manufactured, installed, used, maintained and supported safely and efficiently at a competitive cost. The market we face is keenly focused on environmental and safety considerations.
