Overview
ISO/TS 21308-4:2007 - "Road vehicles - Product data exchange between chassis and bodywork manufacturers (BEP) - Part 4: Mapping to STEP application protocol 239" defines how Bodywork Exchange Parameter (BEP) data is mapped to the STEP Application Protocol 239 (ISO 10303-239). It covers the exchange of dimensional and related technical/administrative data for commercial vehicles (as per ISO 3833) with a maximum gross vehicle mass greater than 3 500 kg. The Technical Specification creates a consistent, DEX‑compliant approach for transferring chassis information between chassis manufacturers, importers, dealers, bodywork manufacturers and bodywork component suppliers.
Key Topics
- Mapping BEP to STEP AP 239: Specifies principles and examples for translating BEP properties (from ISO 21308-2 and ISO 21308-3) into the STEP AP 239 product data model (ARM).
- Type vs Individual data: Distinguishes product type (generic part definitions) and product individual (specific configurations) and explains their STEP instantiation.
- Instantiation diagrams & EXPRESS-G: Uses EXPRESS-G diagrams to show how clusters of BEP data should be instantiated in a STEP file for compatibility.
- File formats: Demonstrates both Part 21 (ISO 10303-21 plain text) and Part 28 (XML, ISO 10303-28) representations; complete file examples are provided in annexes.
- Data Exchange Sets (DEX) and RDL: Aligns with OASIS DEX practices and discusses Reference Data Libraries (RDL) for semantic interpretation at run-time.
- Implementation focus: Intended for software designers and implementers familiar with ISO 10303 (EXPRESS, PLCS) and object‑oriented data description techniques.
Applications
- Bodywork prefabrication: Enables bodywork manufacturers to prefabricate superstructures confidently before chassis delivery using unambiguous dimensional data.
- Multi‑supplier integration: Facilitates exchange among chassis makers, dealers, multiple body builders and component suppliers (demountables, cranes, tipping gear).
- Design & manufacturing data exchange: Supports technical specifications, drawings, configuration management and downstream PLM processes.
- System and software vendors: Guides developers of CAD/PLM, ERP and integration solutions to implement a compatible BEP → STEP AP 239 mapping.
Who Should Use It
- Chassis and bodywork manufacturers and their suppliers
- Systems integrators and software vendors implementing STEP AP 239 exchanges
- Technical teams responsible for CAD/PLM, data exchange, and configuration management
- Standards and compliance specialists in commercial vehicle product data
Related Standards
Keywords: ISO/TS 21308-4:2007, STEP AP 239, BEP, product data exchange, chassis and bodywork manufacturers, EXPRESS-G, Part 21, Part 28, DEX, RDL.