IEC 61987-10:2009

Overview

IEC 61987-10:2009 defines fundamentals for exchanging standardized device and equipment information in industrial-process measurement and control. It establishes a method for creating Lists of Properties (LOPs) that describe process control devices, instrumentation, operating environments and measurement-point requirements to enable consistent electronic data exchange between customers, suppliers and engineering tools.

This part of IEC 61987 is intended to be read with IEC 61987-1 and relies on component data dictionary principles (e.g., IEC 61360) to provide common semantics for device catalogues and automated workflows.

Key topics and requirements

• Lists of Properties (LOPs): Standardized collections of properties used to describe device types, operating data and environment information suitable for inquiries, offers and integration.
• Property structure: Definitions of properties, attributes and grouping into blocks of properties and views for modular, reusable descriptions.
• Structural concepts: Cardinality, polymorphism and composition/aggregation to model device complexity and composite devices.
• LOP types: Differentiation of administrative (ALOP), operating (OLOP), device (DLOP) and commercial (CLOP) LOPs to support varied lifecycle and business needs.
• Data separation: Clear distinction between structural data (persistent descriptive data) and transaction data (inquiry/offer specific values).
• Concept identifiers & dictionaries: Use of concept identifiers linked to a component data dictionary (IEC 61360 / ISO 13584) to ensure unambiguous semantics and reuse across systems.
• Electronic exchange readiness: Guidance for packaging LOP content for electronic messages and integration with data models (e.g., ebXML) and CAE/ERP systems.

Applications and users

IEC 61987-10 is practical for:

• Device manufacturers and suppliers creating machine-readable product catalogues and e-catalogues.
• End users, engineering and procurement teams who require standardized device specifications for quoting, purchasing and system integration.
• EPC contractors, system integrators and CAE/ERP/maintenance tools that consume device data for project engineering, automation and lifecycle management.
• IT architects implementing B2B electronic data exchange between supplier and customer systems to reduce transaction costs and duplicate data entry.

Benefits include faster engineering workflows, reduced errors in procurement, clearer supplier-customer communication and lower transaction costs through interoperable device data.

Related standards

• IEC 61987-1 (catalogue structure)
• IEC 61360 (component data dictionary / data model)
• ISO 13584 (PLIB / properties dictionaries)
• ebXML / ISO 15000 (example exchange frameworks)

Keywords: IEC 61987-10, Lists of Properties, LOPs, industrial-process measurement and control, electronic data exchange, component data dictionary, device catalogue, IEC 61360.