Overview
ISO/TS 13584-35:2010 - "Industrial automation systems and integration - Parts library - Part 35: Implementation resources: Spreadsheet interface for parts library" defines a standardized spreadsheet data structure for exchanging parts dictionaries and libraries. The Technical Specification specifies a CSV (comma-separated values) representation that is ISO 13584‑compliant, enabling unambiguous, machine-readable identification of dictionary entries. Definitions and identifiers are based on instances of the EXPRESS entity data types from the common dictionary schema and its logical extensions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Spreadsheet & CSV format: Defines the layout and file-naming conventions for parcels (parcelling sheets) used to represent dictionary or library content in spreadsheet/CSV form.
- Unique identification: Requires globally unambiguous identifiers for dictionary entries so any application can reference items reliably.
- Meta-dictionary approach: Describes a meta-dictionary model that represents the structure of dictionaries and enables mapping between spreadsheet data and EXPRESS-based schema.
- Parcelling formats & use scenarios: Covers both dictionary parcelling and library parcelling formats, with instructions for how parcels are organized and combined.
- Header and instruction columns: Specifies header semantics and reserved instruction keywords (e.g., Class ID, Preferred name, Definition, Property ID, Data type, Unit of measurement) used to describe meta-classes and properties in spreadsheets.
- Data types & value formats: Details handling of EXPRESS-based types (enumeration, level, string, translatable string, boolean, class-instance, aggregates, named types, entity instances) and guidance on unit identifiers, alternative units and encoding.
- Conformance & extensions: Defines conformance classes for parcelling spreadsheets and mechanisms for structural extension; normative annexes include reserved words, meta-dictionary file examples and data type descriptions.
Practical applications and users
ISO/TS 13584-35 is intended for organizations that need interoperable parts data exchange in industrial automation, including:
- Manufacturers and suppliers publishing parts catalogs and spare-parts data
- CAD, PLM and ERP vendors integrating parts libraries
- System integrators and procurement teams standardizing component data
- Technical librarians and data stewards working on classification and reuse
Benefits include easier spreadsheet-based editing, consistent CSV exchange of parts libraries, improved interoperability across tools, and reliable referencing through EXPRESS-based identifiers.
Related standards
- ISO 13584 series (Parts library / PLIB) - common dictionary schema and logical parts
- EXPRESS language standards used to model data types (referenced by ISO 13584)
Keywords: ISO/TS 13584-35:2010, ISO 13584, spreadsheet interface for parts library, parts library CSV, EXPRESS entity, parts catalog exchange, industrial automation parts library.