Overview
IEC 62714-2:2015 defines role class libraries for the Automation Markup Language (AML), a standardized engineering data exchange format used in industrial automation systems. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard supports the interoperable exchange of engineering information between various tools utilized in plant automation. By specifying both normative (mandatory) and informative (example) AML role class libraries, it facilitates seamless data transfer and stronger collaboration across engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, process, and control engineering.
Adopting this standard ensures greater consistency, efficiency, and compatibility in engineering workflows, promoting the integration of heterogeneous automation tools and systems.
Key Topics
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AML Role Class Libraries
The standard provides structured libraries that define roles-such as equipment, devices, and logical entities-across discrete, batch, and continuous manufacturing industries, as well as control systems.
- Discrete Manufacturing Role Classes
- Continuous Manufacturing Role Classes
- Batch Manufacturing Role Classes
- Control System Role Classes
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Interoperability and Data Exchange
AML leverages an XML schema-based data format, enabling object-oriented modelling for plant components and ensuring interoperability among diverse engineering tools. Role classes are fundamental to exchanging engineering data unambiguously across different software applications.
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User-Defined Role Class Libraries
Beyond predefined libraries, the standard accommodates user-defined role class libraries, enabling organizations to model their unique requirements or industry-specific scenarios.
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Conformance and Structure
The document outlines how applications should implement and structure the export/import of AML role classes, ensuring standardized usage and compatibility.
Applications
IEC 62714-2:2015 is highly relevant for organizations and professionals engaged in:
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Industrial Automation Engineering
Ensuring consistent and reliable data transfer between design, planning, and operational automation tools.
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Plant Design and Integration
Supporting the seamless modelling of equipment, systems, and processes, enhancing integration between engineering disciplines.
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Manufacturing Execution and Control
Facilitating the precise mapping and exchange of control hardware, sensors, actuators, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), and programmable controllers (PLC, IPC, PAC).
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Tool Vendor Implementations
Enabling software developers to support AML-based data import/export, broadening integration options for their customers.
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Customization and Industry-Specific Modelling
Extending base libraries to model specialized equipment or sector requirements, ensuring data exchange mechanisms remain robust and adaptable.
Related Standards
The IEC 62714 series is built around the broader context of engineering data formats for automation:
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IEC 62714-1: Engineering Data Exchange Format – Architecture and General Requirements
Describes the AML architecture, core data model, instances, relations, and base libraries.
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IEC 62714-3: Geometry and Kinematics (forthcoming)
Will specify modelling for geometry and kinematics data within AML.
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Related IEC Standards
- IEC 62264 (Enterprise-Control System Integration)
- ISO/IEC Directives Part 2 (Standardization Guidelines)
These standards collectively enable a modular, scalable approach to engineering tool interoperability and digitalization in industrial automation environments.
Keywords: IEC 62714-2:2015, Automation Markup Language, AML role class libraries, industrial automation systems, engineering data exchange, interoperability, XML schema, discrete manufacturing, control systems, plant automation, data integration.