Overview
EN ISO 23387:2025 - Building information modelling (BIM) - Data templates for objects used in the life cycle of assets defines a standardized concept and data structure for data templates that enable machine‑interpretable alphanumeric information about objects across the asset life cycle. The standard describes how to implement data templates in a data dictionary, how to link templates to classification systems, and provides an XML Schema Definition (XSD) as an implementation of the ISO 23387 and ISO 12006‑3 data models. It replaces EN ISO 23387:2020 and harmonises the data model with ISO 12006‑3:2022.
Key Topics
The standard covers the following technical topics and requirements:
- Data template structure - conceptual model and UML representation for consistent template design.
- Data modelling elements - definitions for object types, data templates, groups of properties and properties, with guidance on relationships and instantiation.
- Use of URIs - for unambiguous identification and machine interpretability of template elements.
- ISO 12006‑3 representation - mapping and implementation guidance to represent data templates within a dictionary metadata model.
- Property and subject relationships - rules for specialization, subtype relationships and linking templates to classification systems.
- XML representations and XSD - an XML Schema Definition illustrating an implementation of the ISO 23387/ISO 12006‑3 models for software integration.
- Informative annexes - examples, use cases, creation guidance, attribute examples, correct instantiation cases, XSD and XML examples to support adoption.
Applications
EN ISO 23387:2025 supports practical BIM workflows and digital asset management by enabling:
- Interoperable information exchange between design, construction and operations systems through machine‑readable templates.
- Consistent data governance using data dictionaries that link templates to classification systems and procurement requirements.
- Software and platform integration via the provided XSD for developers to embed validated data structures.
- Standardized tendering and handover where asset owners and authorities specify required data using common templates.
Who should use this standard
- Software developers and platform vendors implementing BIM data structures and XSD schemas.
- BIM managers, asset owners and clients defining information requirements and tender documents.
- Construction and facility management practitioners who consume and provide structured asset data.
- Standards bodies, educators and R&D teams working on data dictionaries, classification linking and interoperability.
Related Standards
- ISO 12006‑3 - organization of information about construction, used for representation and dictionary mapping.
- ISO 19650 series - business processes for information management in BIM.
- ISO 16739-1 (IFC) - for use where data templates are combined with Industry Foundation Classes.
Keywords: BIM, data templates, ISO 23387, ISO 12006-3, XSD, data dictionary, machine‑interpretable, lifecycle of assets, classification linking.