Standardization is very powerful, but also quite dangerous. Einstein said: Make it as simple as possible, but not simpler!
At a given volume, standardization is the basis for the “Economy of Scale” effect: A doubeling of volume reduces the cost per unit by 30%.
Standardization is often viewed as the contrary of flexibility and therefore often refused by users. Examples show, that this is not true if some rules are applied (e.g. standardized containers create very much flexibility for flow of goods; Standardized telecom networks are the basis for flexible global communication).
We believe, that understanding the power and the danger of standardization is the most important skill for good process design.