ISO 15926-10:2019

Overview - ISO 15926-10:2019 (Conformance testing)

ISO 15926-10:2019 is the ISO part that defines principles and methods for conformance testing of software implementations of the ISO 15926 series (integration of life‑cycle data for process plants, including oil & gas). It provides guidance for developing test cases and test procedures that verify requirements such as data exchange, use of reference data libraries (RDLs) and interface services across industry usage contexts. The document applies a functional approach to testing and supports preparing conformance plans and statements of conformity.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope of conformance testing: Guidance covers software implementations that claim conformance to ISO 15926 parts; complex integrated interoperability scenarios and some file‑exchange development topics are explicitly out of scope.
• Functional approach (ISO/IEC 17000 model): Testing follows three core functions - selection (plan and collect inputs), determination (gather evidence), and review & attestation (assess evidence and declare conformity).
• Conformance scenarios: Primary scenarios include handover (file or data handoff) and integration (systems spanning design, engineering, construction, operation, maintenance). Each scenario requires documented overview, procedures, aspects to be validated, detailed verification and scope exclusions.
• Layered testing model: The standard maps conformance activities to software implementation layers (role & scope, content, semantics). Testers select applicable validation rules based on these layers.
• Annex‑based verification rules: Annexes A–F provide normative conformance rules for different ISO 15926 parts (e.g., ISO/TS 15926‑4, ‑7/8, ‑11, ‑12, ‑13). Test plans should reference the relevant annexes for specific verification criteria.
• Conformance artefacts: Guidance covers preparation of a conformance testing plan and a statement of conformance detailing demonstrated fulfilment of specified requirements.

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 15926‑10:

• Plant owners and operators validating vendor software or handover deliverables
• EPCs, FEED contractors and OEMs establishing interoperable data exchange
• Software vendors and implementers developing ISO 15926‑compliant products
• IT, information management and commissioning engineers running conformance tests

Common uses:

• Designing and executing test cases for interoperability and life‑cycle data exchange
• Verifying use of reference data libraries and semantic mappings
• Producing conformance evidence and formal statements for procurement or project acceptance

Related standards and references

• ISO 15926 series (notably ISO 15926‑1; ISO/TS 15926‑4, ‑6, ‑7/8, ‑11, ‑12, ‑13)
• ISO/IEC 17000 (functional approach to conformity assessment)
• ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 and ISO/TS 18876 (systems and data context)

ISO 15926‑10:2019 is a practical reference for organizations that need repeatable, standards‑based conformance testing of life‑cycle data systems in process plants and oil & gas environments.