Overview
IEC TS 62720:2017 - Identification of units of measurement for computer-based processing defines a system of computer-interpretable identifiers for quantities and units of measure used in product data, business and science. The Technical Specification provides a surveyed collection of both internationally standardized and non‑standardized units that are in use across multiple ethno‑linguistic groups or nations, where an explicit method of conversion to a known standard unit exists. Detailed unit descriptions are maintained in the IEC Common Data Dictionary (IEC CDD) to support fast updates and practical reuse.
Key topics and requirements
- Unit identifiers for computer-based processing: Assigns machine-readable identifiers (IRDI-based references) to quantities and units to avoid ambiguity in digital data exchange.
- Coverage scope: Includes standard and non‑standard units used in at least two distinct communities or industries, provided conversion methods to standard units are documented.
- Relations between quantities and units: Defines how quantities, systems of quantities (including the ISQ/ISU base quantities), and units relate for consistent interpretation.
- Prefixes and symbols: Rules for SI prefixes, formation of multiples (decimal and binary), and restrictions on combining prefixes with unit names and symbols.
- Metadata/registry integration: Uses ISO/IEC 11179 principles for metadata registries and references the IEC CDD for maintainable, centrally hosted identifiers.
- Annexes and machine-readable lists: Annex C contains an abridged listing of quantities and assigned unit codes; Annex B references the IEC CDD where full entries are maintained.
Practical applications
- Product data interoperability: Ensures unambiguous unit representation in product data sheets, catalogs, and BOMs for ERP, PLM and e‑commerce systems.
- Software and APIs: Provides standardized unit identifiers for APIs, data models, and IoT telemetry so systems can automatically parse, convert and validate numeric data.
- Data exchange and integration: Reduces unit-related errors during system integration, cross-border trade, and multi‑vendor data aggregation.
- Metadata management: Enables consistent cataloging of measurement metadata in registries and semantic models.
- Scientific and industrial reporting: Supports automated conversion and interpretation of measurement values across domains (manufacturing, energy, electronics, laboratory data).
Who should use it
- Data architects, system integrators, and software developers
- Product data managers, PLM/ERP implementers
- IoT/telemetry and API designers
- Standards organizations and registries working on metadata interoperability
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 11179 - Metadata registries (normative reference)
- ISO/IEC 80000 series - Quantities and units (conceptual basis)
- IEC Common Data Dictionary (IEC CDD) - authoritative machine-readable repository for unit entries and identifiers
Keywords: IEC TS 62720:2017, unit identifiers, units of measurement, computer-based processing, IEC CDD, interoperability, product data, ISO/IEC 11179.