IEC 81355-1:2024

Overview

IEC 81355-1:2024 (published jointly by IEC and ISO) establishes basic rules and a classification scheme for information used across the life cycle of industrial systems, installations, equipment and products. The standard shifts focus from paper-based “document kinds” to the classification of information containers by their inherent content, introducing the new Information Kind Classification Code (ICC) to replace the older Document Kind Classification Code (DCC). It defines concepts, an information model, naming and structuring rules for information containers, and a conversion table to migrate from DCC to ICC.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification by inherent content: Information is classified according to what it contains, independent of its presentation or intended use.
• Information container concept: Distinguishes an information container (persistent, named set of information) from a document (for human perception). Containers can be structured (models, databases) or unstructured (text, video).
• Information Kind Classification Code (ICC): A coded taxonomy for tagging information containers as metadata values to enable consistent categorization and retrieval.
• Designation and relation rules: Rules for designating information containers and linking them to one or more objects (systems, components) to support traceability across the lifecycle.
• Structuring and sub-containers: Guidance for subdividing and organizing information containers (e.g., chapters, layers, sub-models).
• Information model and migration support: Includes a conceptual model of terms and a conversion table for transitioning from DCC to ICC.
• Metadata usage: ICC codes are intended for use in information management systems and metadata schemes (compatible with IEC 82045 series).

Practical applications

IEC 81355-1:2024 supports consistent information exchange, storage and retrieval in digital ecosystems:

• Use cases: PLM, CMMS, BIM, digital twin development, engineering document management, asset lifecycle management, records management and regulatory compliance.
• Benefits: Improved metadata consistency, unambiguous information exchange between stakeholders, streamlined search and automated processing, and better integration across mechanical, electrical, process and construction engineering domains.
• Typical users: technical committees, standards authors, information managers, systems engineers, PLM/BIM administrators, software developers, system integrators and records officers.

Related standards

• IEC 82045-1 and IEC 82045-2 (information management metadata and document exchange)
• IEC 81346-1 (object and system terminology)
• ISO 19650-1 (BIM - information management concepts)
• IEC Guide 108 (horizontal publication status)

Keywords: IEC 81355-1:2024, classification of information, information container, ICC, metadata, information management, lifecycle, industrial systems, document classification.