ISO 10303-28:2007

Overview

ISO 10303-28:2007 is an international standard published by ISO within the ISO 10303 (STEP) family, specifically addressing industrial automation systems and integration. This part of the standard, titled "Implementation methods: XML representations of EXPRESS schemas and data, using XML schemas," defines how EXPRESS schemas and associated data can be represented and exchanged using the XML Schema language. By enabling the use of XML-the widely adopted standard for structured data exchange-ISO 10303-28:2007 enhances interoperability for product data across various industries and engineering applications.

The standard outlines the binding between EXPRESS, the formal data modeling language for STEP, and XML Schema, ensuring product data models described in EXPRESS can be effectively mapped, exchanged, and processed using robust, open XML technologies.

Key Topics

• EXPRESS to XML Schema Mapping: Defines rules and mechanisms for representing EXPRESS schemas and data as XML Schema and XML documents.
• Conformance Requirements: Establishes criteria and practices for ensuring XML representations comply with both the standard and the underlying EXPRESS schema.
• Document and Data Structure: Specifies required document-level elements-such as header information, schema definitions, and configuration elements-for valid XML documents.
• Default and Configurable Bindings: Supports both standard (default) mappings and user-configurable options to adapt XML output for specific needs or applications.
• Encoding Rules: Provides details on the encoding of EXPRESS entity instances, attributes, and values to ensure consistent, reliable data interchange.
• Namespace and Naming Conventions: Details best practices for XML namespaces and identifier mapping to maintain clarity and prevent conflicts in XML data.
• Configuration Directives: Introduces a configuration language and XML schema for further customization of the XML output, supporting alternative encoding and schema structures.

Applications

The practical value of ISO 10303-28:2007 is its role in facilitating product data exchange and system integration in industrial settings where EXPRESS-based models are prevalent. Applications include:

• Interoperability in Manufacturing: Seamless sharing of product data between CAD, CAM, CAE, and PLM systems using standardized XML formats.
• Data Archiving and Retrieval: Reliable long-term storage and later retrieval of complex product structures by converting EXPRESS schemas to XML documents.
• Electronic Commerce: Incorporating detailed product data, modeled in EXPRESS, into XML-based e-commerce transactions for procurement, supply chain, and engineering services.
• Web Services and Data Exchange Portals: Enabling web-based tools and applications to access, validate, and process product data originally formulated in EXPRESS.
• Enterprise Integration: Facilitating data integration between legacy systems, modern business applications, and engineering platforms through standardized XML bindings.

Related Standards

• ISO 10303-1: Overview and fundamental principles for the full ISO 10303 STEP standard.
• ISO 10303-11: Specification for the EXPRESS language-defines syntax and semantics for product data modeling.
• ISO 10303-21: Standard exchange format for product data based on the physical file structure.
• ISO 10303 Series: Includes a broad set of standards for various aspects of product data representation and exchange, supporting a range of industry needs.
• W3C XML Schema (XSD): The formal language for defining the structure and constraints of XML documents-integral to ISO 10303-28 XML representations.

Summary

ISO 10303-28:2007 provides a robust, standardized method for mapping EXPRESS schemas and data into XML Schema and XML documents. This enhances data interoperability, supports digital transformation initiatives in industrial automation, and allows organizations to leverage extensive XML tool support for exchanging and integrating complex product data. By adhering to this standard, companies ensure that their product data is accessible, portable, and ready for integration in diverse, XML-based information systems and workflows.