Overview
ISO/TS 29002-10:2009 (Industrial automation systems and integration - Exchange of characteristic data - Part 10) specifies a conceptual information model and an exchange file format for characteristic data used in industrial automation. The conceptual model is defined using Unified Modeling Language (UML) and the physical, portable exchange format is based on Extensible Markup Language (XML). The specification supports consistent representation of characteristic data across tools, suppliers and systems to improve interoperability and reduce integration time.
Key Topics
- Conceptual information model (UML): Defines the structure and relationships for characteristic data at a conceptual level, providing a common vocabulary for implementers.
- Physical file format (XML): Specifies an XML-based exchange file format that maps the UML concepts to a portable serialization for data exchange between applications.
- Packaging and installation guidance: Includes recommendations for distribution of compound documents (e.g., zipped HTML or XML files), preserving file and folder names and the use of Readme files so that links and resources function correctly.
- Interoperability focus: Aims to enable consistent interpretation of characteristic data across different engineering and automation tools.
Applications
ISO/TS 29002-10:2009 is applicable wherever characteristic data must be exchanged reliably between systems or stakeholders in industrial contexts. Typical applications include:
- Equipment and component manufacturers exchanging characteristic parameters with system integrators.
- Configuration handover between design tools and manufacturing/execution systems.
- Data exchange in asset management, testing and calibration workflows.
- Integration of measurement, inspection or quality-related characteristic data into higher-level automation systems.
Benefits for practitioners include reduced ambiguity in data interpretation, fewer manual translation steps, lower integration costs and improved traceability of characteristic information throughout the product lifecycle.
Related Standards
- Other parts of the ISO/TS 29002 series that address characteristic data and related exchange topics.
- Industry data-exchange and interoperability standards such as OPC UA and ISO 10303 (STEP) where integration between product, process and automation data is required.
- Relevant IEC and ISO standards addressing industrial automation and systems integration.
ISO/TS 29002-10:2009 is primarily a conceptual and format-level specification: it provides the model and serialized exchange format foundations that organizations can adopt or map to their internal schemas to achieve consistent, interoperable characteristic data exchange in industrial automation environments.