ISO 10303-STEP

Recent developments have shown that it is time to change from proprietary database formats and unlock the data for everyone. This can be most efficiently done by adopting new systems based on the ISO 10303 standards in order to get the information where it belongs and to give the power to the user rather than the vendor who delivers application-specific software.

EXPRESS combines the standards

In CALS there are a number of types of standards, each for a specific purpose: CGM and IGES for graphics; the MIL-STD-1840 series for the enveloping of data; SGML for manuals and documentation; and the MIL-STD-1388 for ILS application data. One of the problems with these standards is that each uses different methods to describe the needed data elements. Another problem is that some of the standards are overlapping.

To overcome these difficulties, some very encouraging activities are taking place. For example, efforts are being made to integrate and use the information modeling language EXPRESS, defined in the ISO 10303 ­ Part 11 to define a combined integration path for all these standards. In particular, work is concentrating on the development of an application protocol (AP) for Technical Data Packages, referred to as the ISO 10303 ­ AP 232, based on the UK standard called DEF STAN 00-60, CALS Technical Goals and on the SC4's STEP-SGML project

PDM standardization through APs

With respect to PDM systems, companies are already installing these most advanced programs to stream-line and standardize their internal working procedures. Experience has shown that after such a project is completed, the companies realize that it is almost impossible to communicate the data to other parties, within or outside the organization, if they dwell in the data models developed by themselves. In such situations, the most cost-effective solution has been to incorporate the industry-specific data models available as application protocols (APs) in the ISO 10303 standard. More and more companies are recognizing these advantages and there is a tremendous competitive advantage to be gained by standardizing your next PDM project.

We hope you will enjoy reading what the leading experts in the world are doing. We also hope that you will join the movement that puts the power to handle data in the hands of the user, not the vendor.