Overview
IEC 61987-100:2025 is a key international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the industrial-process measurement and control sector. Titled “Industrial-process measurement and control – Data structures and elements in process equipment catalogues – Part 100: Data base standard for process measurement, control and automation equipment,” this standard defines semantics for essential data in process automation, supporting the needs of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart manufacturing.
A primary outcome of IEC 61987-100 is the establishment of a unified database structure, enhancing interoperability and effective data sharing among process measurement, control, and automation equipment catalogues. The standard leverages the IEC Common Data Dictionary (IEC CDD) as the official repository for consistent classification and description of product data.
Key Topics
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Data Semantics for Process Automation
The standard sets out a clear semantic structure for the data required in industrial automation, ensuring a shared understanding among stakeholders in the field.
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Product Classification and Properties
IEC 61987-100 utilizes classes and properties to describe products, enabling comprehensive cataloguing and supporting future expansion as new devices and equipment emerge.
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Database-Driven Standard (DB Standard)
Unlike traditional paper-based approaches, this standard is developed and maintained as a live database, published via the IEC CDD, promoting real-time updates and increased flexibility.
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Ontology and Libraries
Device classes and property classes are organized within a structured ontology, classified into various lists (such as Lists of Properties (LOP), Lists of Qualifiers (LOQ), and Lists of Dynamic Properties (LOPD)), housed in library collections.
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Machine-Readable and Unambiguous Data Exchange
The standard enables applications to share data with unambiguous semantic meaning, fostering electronic data exchange for e-commerce, engineering, maintenance, and smart manufacturing.
Applications
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Process Automation Systems
Operators and manufacturers can use IEC 61987-100 to ensure standardized information exchange when integrating diverse automation and measurement equipment from multiple suppliers.
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IIoT and Smart Manufacturing
The unified data structures support digital transformation initiatives by providing a robust foundation for intelligent data integration, device interoperability, and seamless system engineering.
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Product Lifecycle Management
By supporting consistent classification and description of equipment, the standard facilitates end-to-end data management, from product development and procurement to operation and maintenance.
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Electronic Catalogues and E-Commerce
The harmonized data model assists vendors in providing enriched, machine-processable electronic catalogues, improving accuracy in procurement, asset tracking, and equipment selection.
Related Standards
Organizations implementing IEC 61987-100 can benefit from referencing the following related international standards:
- IEC 61987 (All parts): Broader framework for data structures and elements in process equipment catalogues
- IEC 61360-2: Standard data element types with associated classification scheme
- IEC 62656-1: Standardized product ontology register and transfer using spreadsheets
- IEC 62683: Product data and properties for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
- IEC 63213: Power measurement applications within electrical distribution networks and installations
- ISO 13584-42: Methodology for structuring parts libraries in industrial automation
Adopting IEC 61987-100:2025 and these harmonized standards helps organizations drive efficient, compatible, and future-ready data management throughout the industrial automation landscape. For the most current details and resources, consult the IEC Common Data Dictionary (https://cdd.iec.ch).