ISO 23387:2020

Overview

ISO 23387:2020 - "Building information modelling (BIM) - Data templates for construction objects used in the life cycle of built assets - Concepts and principles" - defines the principles and structured data model for data templates used to describe any type of construction object (product, system, assembly, space, building, etc.) across the built-asset life cycle. The standard targets the development of machine-readable, standard data structures that support digital exchange and open BIM workflows via a data dictionary approach based on ISO 12006-3:2007.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Data template structure: Specifies a UML-based structure that models objects, collections and relationships (aligned with ISO 12006-3), defining how templates are composed and organized.
• Taxonomy model: Defines core concepts (subjects/objects, groups of properties, properties, quantities, units, enumerated values) needed to express information requirements for construction objects.
• EXPRESS specification: Provides an EXPRESS schema and extended EXPRESS‑G notation (building on ISO 10303‑11) to enable machine-readable definitions of templates and to support automated processing.
• Linking rules: Establishes rules for mapping/linking data templates to IFC classes (ISO 16739-1) and to classification systems within a data dictionary based on ISO 12006-3.
• Scope and audience: Intended for software developers building tools and data dictionaries - ISO 23387 defines the structure and rules but does not supply template content (that content is created from domain standards or information requirements).
• Normative references: Key referenced standards include ISO 12006-3:2007 and ISO 10303-11; ISO 19650 and ISO 16739-series are referenced for BIM process and IFC alignment.

Applications and practical value

• Enables consistent, machine-readable product and asset data exchange between manufacturers, designers, contractors, asset managers and software systems.
• Supports creation of standardized data dictionaries and interoperable data templates for procurement, design automation, asset management, FM and demolition-phase data.
• Facilitates integration of templates with IFC-based models for open BIM workflows and with classification schemes for searchability and regulatory compliance.
• Useful for developers of BIM platforms, data-dictionary services, product information management (PIM) tools, and interoperability middleware.

Who uses this standard

• Software developers and BIM-tool vendors implementing data dictionaries and template engines
• Information managers and BIM coordinators who commission machine-readable templates
• System integrators building IFC/semantic mappings and classification linkages

Related standards

• ISO 12006-3:2007 - Framework for object-oriented information
• ISO 10303-11 - EXPRESS language reference
• ISO 16739-1 - Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)
• ISO 19650 (series) - BIM information management principles
• ISO 23386 / ISO 23388 - Data dictionaries and identifiers

Keywords: ISO 23387, BIM data templates, data dictionary, IFC mapping, EXPRESS, ISO 12006-3, machine-readable construction data, built asset lifecycle.