ECLASS is internationally established as the only ISO/IEC-compliant industry standard, and is thus the worldwide reference-data standard for the classification and unambiguous description of products and services. More than 4,000 customers are already successfully using the 45,000 classes and 19,000 properties in 16 languages from ECLASS for digital data exchange. In addition to traditional applications in procurement, controlling, production and distribution, ECLASS demonstrates its particular strengths when used for cross-enterprise process-data management and in engineering functions. A standardized master-data system is the key to enterprise-wide improvements, producing benefits along the entire value chain. The ECLASS e.V., founded in 2000, is a non-profit organization run by members from a wide variety of industries and trade sectors. Their common goal is to expand the ECLASS Standard in line with current and future market requirements and promote its international application.