ISO 24096-1:2024

Overview

ISO 24096-1:2024 - Technical product documentation (TPD) - Classification of requirements - Part 1: Framework defines a flexible framework for creating requirement classification systems used in technical product documentation. It explains why classifying requirements is useful in manufacturing and design, how to structure a classification system, and how to indicate classified requirements in TPD (including the functional specification, FUN‑SPEC). The standard is intentionally a framework: it does not prescribe specific class symbols, levels, or contractual consequences of classification (e.g., inspection methods, reliability indices or remedial actions).

Key topics

• Purpose and scope of a requirement classification system within TPD and FUN‑SPEC.
• Core elements that a classification system must contain:
  • Definition of requirement classes and their severity (consequences of nonconformity).
  • Rules for documenting and indicating classified requirements in technical documentation.
  • Guidance on selecting symbols and placing indications in TPD.
  • Roles and responsibilities for applying and maintaining the system.
• Guidance and examples provided in informative annexes:
  • Annex A - class implication and system application;
  • Annex B - indication, definition of requirement classes and symbol selection;
  • Annex C - indication placement in TPD.
• Clarifications on what the framework deliberately excludes (contractual consequences and detailed assessment procedures).

Practical applications

ISO 24096-1 is designed to improve communication of requirement criticality across design, procurement, production, inspection and audit processes. Typical applications include:

• Prioritizing inspection and quality‑assurance effort where nonconformity has high consequence (safety, regulatory compliance, function).
• Guiding production set‑up, purchasing requirements for critical components, and supplier instructions.
• Supporting documentation for audits, product recall planning, and traceability where evidence of requirement fulfilment is needed.
• Reducing ambiguity in TPD by explicitly indicating which requirements have elevated importance.

Industries that benefit most include automotive, aerospace and other complex manufacturing sectors, but the framework is applicable across engineering fields.

Who should use it

• Design engineers and technical authors preparing TPD and FUN‑SPEC.
• Quality, production planning and inspection teams.
• Procurement, supply chain and compliance managers defining supplier obligations.
• Standards committees and organizations developing their own organization‑specific classification system.

Related standards

• ISO 8015:2011 (Geometrical product specifications - fundamentals)
• ISO 10209 (TPD vocabulary and terms)
• ISO/TS 21619 (FUN‑SPEC reference in TPD)
• ISO 24096 series (see ISO website for other parts and related guidance)

Using ISO 24096-1 helps organizations adopt a consistent, documented approach to classify requirements in TPD, enabling clearer communication of critical requirements and more effective allocation of production and quality resources.