ISO 10303-1:2024

Overview

ISO 10303-1:2024 - part of the ISO 10303 (STEP) family - is the authoritative overview and fundamental principles document for product data representation and exchange. It defines the architectural principles, scope and structure of the ISO 10303 series, and specifies the characteristics and relationships among the series’ component parts. Key building blocks covered include integrated resources, application modules, application protocols, the Core model, and conformance testing frameworks. The third edition introduces the STEP extended architecture and relocates terms to ISO 10303-2.

Keywords: ISO 10303-1:2024, STEP, product data representation, product data exchange, EXPRESS.

Key topics

• Scope and purpose: Defines the overall intent of the ISO 10303 series to provide a neutral, computer‑interpretable representation of product information across the product lifecycle.
• Architectures: Describes multiple architecture types (initial, modular, extended) and how interpretations are shared across implementations.
• Structure of the series: Explains how parts are organized into description methods, implementation methods, integrated generic/application resources, Core model, application protocols (APs), application modules (AMs), ADMs, AICs, ATSs, usage guides and more.
• Description methods: Introduces the EXPRESS data specification language and graphical presentation approaches used to model product data.
• Implementation methods: Outlines approaches for implementing EXPRESS‑based product representations and transformation methods.
• Conformance and testing: Specifies conformance testing methodology, abstract test suites (ATSs) and the framework for validating implementations.
• Identification scheme: Provides the scheme for identification and registration of schemas and other information objects within the series.
• Deprecations and updates: Notes deprecated elements (e.g., business object models) and editorial changes since prior editions.

Keywords: EXPRESS language, application protocols, integrated resources, conformance testing, abstract test suites.

Applications

ISO 10303-1:2024 supports practical uses such as:

• Neutral file exchange between CAD, CAE, CAM, PLM and ERP systems.
• Implementing and sharing product databases and archives.
• Establishing interoperable data models for multi‑vendor and multi‑organization workflows.
• Defining testable conformance criteria for vendor implementations and software suppliers.

Practical benefits include improved data interoperability, reduced errors in product lifecycle exchanges, and a standardized basis for long‑term archival of product information.

Who should use this standard

• Systems integrators and enterprise architects designing data exchange solutions.
• CAD/CAM/PLM/PDM software developers and vendors.
• Data modelers and information architects working on product lifecycle management.
• QA, compliance and test teams responsible for conformance testing and validation.
• Standards bodies and implementers planning STEP-based exchanges.

Keywords: product lifecycle, data interoperability, PLM, CAD exchange.

Related standards and resources

• The broader ISO 10303 (STEP) series (application protocols, implementation methods, integrated resources).
• EXPRESS language resources (used for modeling within ISO 10303).
• ISO 10303-2 (for terms and definitions referenced in this edition).

For implementers, ISO 10303-1:2024 is the starting point to understand the architecture, relationships and conformance expectations of the STEP ecosystem.