Overview
IEC 61636-2:2023 (also published as IEEE Std 1636.2) defines a standardized XML exchange format for Maintenance Action Information (MAI) as part of the Software Interface for Maintenance Information Collection and Analysis (SIMICA). The standard promotes interoperability between automated test systems (ATS), maintenance databases and analytics tools by specifying how actions such as removal, repair and replacement of system components are represented and exchanged. The publication includes both an XML schema and an OWL ontology to support machine-readable exchange and semantic integration.
Key topics and requirements
- Maintenance Action Information (MAI): Definition of the information class used to record actions taken during maintenance events (removal, repair, replacement) to support operational readiness and analysis.
- XML exchange format: A formal XML schema provided to standardize structure, element names and data types for MAI messages.
- OWL ontology support: Parallel OWL ontology representation to enable semantic modelling and integration with ontology-driven systems.
- Extensibility: Guidance on XML schema extensibility so vendors and integrators can extend the MAI model without breaking interoperability.
- Conformance: Required conformance rules and guidance for implementers to ensure consistent parsing, validation and storage of exchanged maintenance data.
- Normative content and annexes: Annex A contains the XML schema and OWL ontology; normative references and definitions clarify terminology and expected usage.
Applications and practical value
- Enables consistent capture and exchange of maintenance records between ATS, test program sets, maintenance management systems and analytics platforms.
- Facilitates offline and online analysis of maintenance actions for reliability engineering, root-cause analysis, spare-parts management and maintenance planning.
- Reduces integration cost and time by providing a vendor-neutral MAI schema for system integrators, OEMs and service organizations.
- Supports data-driven maintenance programs (e.g., predictive maintenance workflows) by making maintenance action data readily available and analyzable.
Who should use this standard
- Test system and ATS vendors implementing maintenance logging and reporting
- Maintenance management software developers and integrators
- Reliability engineers, asset managers and data analysts who consume MAI records
- OEMs and service providers aiming to standardize maintenance data exchange across platforms
Related standards
- Published as a dual-logo IEC/IEEE standard (IEC 61636-2:2023 / IEEE Std 1636.2).
- Part of the broader SIMICA family for maintenance information collection and analysis; consult related SIMICA documents for complementary data models and interfaces.
Keywords: IEC 61636-2:2023, SIMICA, XML schema, MAI, maintenance action information, OWL ontology, IEEE 1636.2, automated test systems, maintenance data exchange, interoperability.