IEC 81355-1:2024

IEC 81355-1
Edition 1.0 2024-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
HORIZONTAL STANDARD
NORME HORIZONTALE
Industrial systems, installations and equipment and industrial products –
Classification and designation of information –
Part 1: Basic rules and classification of information

Systèmes industriels, installations et matériels et produits industriels –
Classification et désignation des informations –
Partie 1: Règles de base et classification des informations

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IEC 81355-1
Edition 1.0 2024-12
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
HORIZONTAL STANDARD
NORME HORIZONTALE
Industrial systems, installations and equipment and industrial products –

Classification and designation of information –

Part 1: Basic rules and classification of information

Systèmes industriels, installations et matériels et produits industriels –

Classification et désignation des informations –

Partie 1: Règles de base et classification des informations

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 01.080.01; 01.080.30 ISBN 978-2-8322-9711-7

– 2 – IEC 81355-1:2024 © IEC 2024
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 General concepts . 9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Classification principles . 10
5 Designation of information containers . 11
5.1 General . 11
5.2 Designation of an information container . 11
5.3 Relating information containers to objects . 12
5.4 Structuring and designation of multiple information containers . 13
5.5 Reference to a specific part of an information container . 16
5.6 Form of presentation . 16
5.7 Identification of documents . 17
5.8 Information for identification purposes . 17
6 Documentation . 18
6.1 General . 18
6.2 Moving from DCC to ICC . 18
Annex A (informative) Information model . 19
A.1 General . 19
A.2 UML model . 19
A.3 Entity descriptions . 20
A.3.1 ObjectOfInterest . 20
A.3.2 Information . 20
A.3.3 Context . 20
A.3.4 Data . 21
A.3.5 InformationContainer . 21
A.3.6 HumanPerceptionContainerAsDocument . 22
A.3.7 NoHumanPerceptionContainer . 22
A.3.8 Documentation . 22
A.3.9 InformationContainerDesignation . 22
A.3.10 ClassOfInformation . 22
A.3.11 ClassificationScheme . 23
A.4 Enumeration – IEC81355ClassificationDomain . 23
A.5 Enumeration – IEC81355PresentationForms . 24
Annex B (normative) Information kind classification codes . 25
Annex C (informative) Form of presentation . 33
Annex D (informative) From document kind class code (DCC) to information kind
classification code (ICC) . 34
D.1 General . 34
D.2 Comparison of DCC vs. ICC . 34
Bibliography . 42

Figure 1 – Interrelation of concepts . 10
Figure 2 – Structure of an information container designation using ICC . 12
Figure 3 – Relating information container designation to an object . 12
Figure 4 – Syntax for identifying a sub-information container . 13
Figure 5 – Example of subdivision of information containers . 14
Figure 6 – Example of information container structure . 15
Figure 7 – Information container designation combined with part reference . 16
Figure 8 – Presentation of a form in combination with an information container
designation . 17
Figure A.1 – UML model of the concepts of this document . 19

Table 1 – Example of multiple information containers related to one object . 12
Table 2 – Example of one information container related to multiple objects . 13
Table 3 – Example of information containers in a structure related to one object . 15
Table 4 – Examples for information container designation with part reference. 16
Table B.1 – Entry class for information kind classification codes (first letter code L1) . 25
Table B.2 – Subclasses for information kind classification codes (first and second letter
code) . 26
Table C.1 – Letter codes for forms of presentation . 33
Table D.1 – DCC data position A2 vs ICC entry class code L1 . 35
Table D.2 – DCC data position A3 vs ICC subclass code L2 . 36

– 4 – IEC 81355-1:2024 © IEC 2024
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS, INSTALLATIONS
AND EQUIPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS –
CLASSIFICATION AND DESIGNATION OF INFORMATION –

Part 1: Basic rules and classification of information

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their
preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with
may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
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Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had not received notice of (a) patent(s), which
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the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 81355-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 3: Documentation, graphical
symbols and representations of technical information, in close cooperation with ISO technical
committee 10: Technical product documentation.
It is published as a double logo standard and has the status of a horizontal publication in
accordance with IEC Guide 108.
This edition cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 61355-1 published in 2008. This
edition constitutes a technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
IEC 61355-1:2008:
a) focusing on classification of information rather that classification of document kinds;
b) introduced a classification scheme based on inherent content of information;
c) introduced a distinction between an information container and a document, the latter being
for human perception;
d) introduction of information kind classification code (ICC), replacing document kind
classification code (DCC);
e) introduced structuring of information containers;
f) introduced an information model of the concepts dealt with;
g) introduced a conversion table for merging from the use of DCC to the use of ICC.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
3/1651/FDIS 3/1680/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table. In ISO, the standard has been approved by 9 members out of 10 having cast
a vote.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
A list of all parts in the IEC 81355 series, published under the general title Industrial systems,
installations and equipment and industrial products – Classification and designation of
information, can be found on the IEC website.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
In this document, italic type is used as follows:
• terms defined in Clause 3 (applies to the text in Clause 3 only);
• in the description of the EXPRESS model, entity names and attribute identifiers.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding
of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

– 6 – IEC 81355-1:2024 © IEC 2024
INTRODUCTION
Information is necessary for all activities during the life cycle of industrial systems, installations,
equipment and industrial products. It may be produced in any phase or activity. Information may
be received from and delivered to other parties, and different parties may need different
information for the same object, depending on what is most suitable for their need.
This document is based on IEC 61355-1:2008 and the IEC 61355 DB standards, but it is now a
new joint ISO and IEC document. As a new joint document, this document clarifies key concepts
related to information and the designation of sets of information exchanged between parties,
as represented by the focus on classification of information and the shift in focus from
"documents" to "information containers".
Notably the paper-based presentation of information that was used as a basis for classification
in IEC 61355-1:2008 is no longer present in this document. Instead, this document provides
"information kind classification codes (ICC)" to be used in the designation of information
containers, thereby replacing the previous "document kind class codes (DCC)" of
IEC 61355-1:2008.
One aim of this document is to support the unambiguous exchange of information for the
purpose of communication and understanding between parties. For this purpose, what the set
of information is called in daily life is disregarded. Instead, the basis of understanding is based
on a classification of the kind of information managed and exchanged between parties.
Another aim of this document is to set up rules for a specific method of correlating information
and objects, i.e., to indicate to which object a specific set of information relates. For this
purpose, a concept for designation of information containers is provided. Also, a concept for
relating information containers to one or more objects is provided. By this, support is also
provided for the structuring, storage and retrieval of information based on the information
content of an information container and the object to which the information relates.

INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS, INSTALLATIONS
AND EQUIPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS –
CLASSIFICATION AND DESIGNATION OF INFORMATION –

Part 1: Basic rules and classification of information

1 Scope
This part of the 81355 International Standard, published jointly by IEC and ISO, provides rules
and guidelines for the classification and designation of information containers based on their
inherent content. This document is applicable for information used in the life cycle of a system,
e.g., industrial plants, construction entities and equipment.
This document defines classes of information and their information kind classification code
(ICC). The defined classes and codes provided are used as values associated with metadata,
e.g., in information management systems (see IEC 82045-1 and IEC 82045-2).
The rules, guidelines and classes are general and are applicable to all technical areas, for
example, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, construction engineering and process
engineering. They can be used for systems based on different technologies or for systems
combining several technologies.
This document also has the status of a horizontal publication in accordance with IEC Guide 108.
It is intended for use by technical committees in preparation of publications related to
classification and designation of information.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
information
intelligence or knowledge capable of being represented in forms suitable for communication,
storage or processing
Note 1 to entry: Information may be represented for example by signs, symbols, pictures or sounds.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-701:1988, 701-01-01]

– 8 – IEC 81355-1:2024 © IEC 2024
3.2
object
entity involved in a process of development, implementation, usage, and disposal
Note 1 to entry: An object is something abstract or physical toward which thought, feeling, or action is directed.
Note 2 to entry: The object has information (3.1) associated to it.
[SOURCE: IEC 81346-1:2022, 3.1]
3.3
system
set of interrelated objects (3.2) considered in a defined context as a whole and separated from
their environment
Note 1 to entry: A system is generally defined with the view of achieving a given objective, e.g. by performing a
definite function.
Note 2 to entry: Elements of a system may be natural or man-made material objects, as well as modes of thinking
and the results thereof (e.g., forms of organisation, mathematical methods, programming languages).
Note 3 to entry: The system is considered to be separated from the environment and from the other external systems
by an imaginary boundary, through which the system is related to the external systems.
Note 4 to entry: The term "system" should be qualified when it is not clear from the context to what it refers, e.g.
control system, colorimetric system, system of units, transmission system.
Note 5 to entry: When a system is part of another system, it may be considered as an object as defined in this
document.
[SOURCE: IEC 81346-1:2022, 3.2]
3.4
data
representation of information (3.1) in a formalized manner suitable for human or automatic
processing
Note 1 to entry: Processing includes communication and interpretation.
Note 2 to entry: In English, the word "data" is generally used in plural form. For use in singular form, it can be called
"data item".
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-171:2019, 171-01-02]
3.5
data element
data item (3.4) that is considered to be indivisible in a certain context
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-171:2019, 171-02-01, modified – The example and note have been
deleted.]
3.6
record
set of data elements (3.5), treated as a whole
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-171:2019, 171-02-28, modified – The domain and note have been
deleted.]
3.7
file
set of related records (3.6) treated as a whole
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-171:2019, 171-02-30]
3.8
inherent content
subject of information (3.1), independent of any use of the information (3.1)
Note 1 to entry: The word "inherent" is regarded as existing in something as a permanent, essential, or
characteristic attribute.
3.9
information class
kind of information (3.1) characterized by its inherent content (3.8)
3.10
information container
named persistent set of information (3.1) retrievable from within a file (3.7), system (3.3) or
application storage hierarchy
EXAMPLE Including sub-directory, information file (including model, document, table, schedule), or distinct sub-set
of an information file such as a chapter or section, layer, or symbol.
Note 1 to entry: Structured information containers include geometrical models, schedules and databases.
Unstructured information containers include documentation, video clips and sound recordings.
Note 2 to entry: Persistent information exists over a timescale long enough for it to have to be managed, i.e. this
excludes transient information such as internet search results.
Note 3 to entry: Naming of an information container should be according to an agreed naming convention.
Note 4 to entry: An information container can include other information containers (sub-containers).
[SOURCE: ISO 19650-1:2018, 3.3.12, modified – Note 4 to entry added.]
3.11
object designation
unambiguous identifier of an object (3.2) in a given context
Note 1 to entry: Examples of such designations are reference designation, type number, serial number, name.
3.12
document
information container (3.10) presented in a format suitable for human perception
3.13
documentation
collection of documents (3.12) related to a given object
4 General concepts
4.1 General
Information is necessary for different activities and purposes during the life cycle of a system.
Information is often transmitted and stored using specific terms, serving different purposes.
These terms are often defined and understood only in a certain context, which can lead to
misunderstandings for the recipient of the information.

– 10 – IEC 81355-1:2024 © IEC 2024
This document provides a classification scheme to structure and sort large amounts of
information into groups, based on the type of information. Each of these groups is characterised
by an unambiguous definition in a clear hierarchy. The user of this document can link additional
information terms by relating any new term to the class defining the kind of information and
thereby expand the use and application of this document.
Annex A shows the information model of the concept of this document.
In the context of this document, it is necessary to distinguish between the following concepts
and their interrelationship:
• object;
• information;
• information class;
• information container;
• information container designation;
• information storage;
• document.
Figure 1 shows the relationship between the concepts, where information related to an object
is stored as an information container in a data storage and presented as a document.

Figure 1 – Interrelation of concepts
4.2 Classification principles
This document defines hierarchical classes of information based on its inherent content – "what
the information is about in itself" – as distinct from what it is intended or used for.
Each class within the hierarchy has a letter code which designates an entry class and its
subclass. This letter code is called an information kind classification code, which in this
document is abbreviated "ICC". As the ICC is recognized by non-verbatim letter codes (A, B,
C, etc.), the ICC itself becomes a natural designation for recognition of information across
national borders, languages, and technical disciplines, thus creating a common language for
exchange of information.
NOTE The former document kind classification code (DCC) provided in IEC 61355-1 is in this document replaced
with "ICC", as the aim of this document is to classify information in a broad sense, as distinct from documentation
presenting the information in a certain form only. However, the meaning behind former DCC codes is to the extent
possible transferred to ICC codes in this document. See also Annex D.

The classification scheme defined in Annex B has a hierarchical structure that constitutes two
levels L1 and L2, where:
• entry classes (L1) are purely defined based on the inherent content of information;
• subclasses (L2) of the entry classes are based on different facets, depending on the entry
class.
Annex B specifies ICC entry classes (Table B.1) and subclasses (Classes of information
presented in this document are considered to be complete and fully representative of
information related to technical systems. Therefore, no "miscellaneous" or "other" open classes,
"free for the user" etc., are provided. See also Clause D.2.
Information shall be associated with an entry class and a related subclass when its inherent
content matches the definitions of an entry class and a subclass. See Annex B, Table B.1 for
entry class and Table B.2 for subclass definitions.
5 Designation of information containers
5.1 General
An information container shall be associated with an information kind classification code (ICC)
to which it belongs, as defined in Table B.1 and Table B.2 (see Annex B). To classify
information correctly, the information to be classified shall comply with the definition of the ICC
selected.
The information container designation shall:
• designate the information container unambiguously within a defined context;
• provide the possibility to specify sorting criteria for object related information;
• provide the possibility to identify different kinds of information related to an object;
• provide a method to refer to an information container from other information containers.
The ICC forms part of an information container designation.
If the context is changed, the information container designations shall be verified in the new
context.
If there is a need for designating multiple kinds of information in one information container, the
information container shall be designated as defined in 5.4.
5.2 Designation of an information container
An information container designation shall consist of (see Figure 2):
• the prefix sign "&" (ampersand), followed by;
• the letter code for the entry class of information (position L1), followed by;
• the letter code for the subclass of information (position L2), followed by;
• a number to distinguish among information containers of the same class within the same
context.
The number, including any leading zero (if any), shall have no specific meaning.
NOTE Only characters A through Z, except I and O, are used.

– 12 – IEC 81355-1:2024 © IEC 2024

Figure 2 – Structure of an information container designation using ICC
5.3 Relating information containers to objects
Information is related to one or more objects. Objects can be administrative or technical. If
information shall be related to a specific object, the relation between the object and the related
information container is defined by (see Figure 3):
1) the designation of the object to which the container is related, followed by;
2) the designation of the information container related to the object.

Figure 3 – Relating information container designation to an object
Several information containers can be related to the same object, each unambiguously
identified in relation to a certain context, see Table 1.
Table 1 – Example of multiple information containers related to one object
Object designation: Information container Information
Wind turbine generator designations
=A1 &DA1 Data sheet (wind turbine generator)
=A1 &FS1 Single-line circuit diagram
=A1 &FS2 Multi-line circuit diagram
=A1 &LH1 Mechanical layout
One information container can be related to multiple objects, each unambiguously identified in
relation to the same context, see Table 2.

Table 2 – Example of one information container related to multiple objects
Object designation: Information container Information
Wind turbine generators designation
=A1 &DA1 Data sheet (wind turbine generator)
=A2 &DA1 Data sheet (wind turbine generator)
=A3 &DA1 Data sheet (wind turbine generator)

5.4 Structuring and designation of multiple information containers
An information container may be structured by including other information containers, thus
establishing part-of relations between the information containers. This will for example be the
case where an information container from a sub-supplier shall be incorporated into the
supplier's information container.
Each sub-information container shall be provided with its own information container
designation. In order to reference to the sub-information container within the overall information
container, the sub-information container is identified by concatenating the information container
designation for each container from the overall down to the sub-information container, see
Figure 4.
The prefix "&" between the information container designations may be replaced by the character
"." (period/full stop), see Figure 4.

Figure 4 – Syntax for identifying a sub-information container
Where an information container contains multiple kinds of information, each of which may be
assigned an ICC, separate information containers related to each ICC shall be defined. An
information container structure as described above shall then be applied.
NOTE 1 In the context of IEC 61355, multiple kinds of information presented in the same document is called a
"composite document".
Figure 5 shows an example of subdivision of information containers.

– 14 – IEC 81355-1:2024 © IEC 2024

Figure 5 – Example of subdivision of information containers
Figure 6 shows an example of an information container which is divided into sub-containers for
a wind turbine generator (WTG), with inclusion of information containers from two sub-suppliers:
a lubrication system and a warning system.
NOTE 2 For the structure of documentation, see IEC 62023.

*Example The designation for the "Data sheet – Warning system" information container is &AB1&AB2&DA1 or
alternatively &AB1.AB2.DA1.
Figure 6 – Example of information container structure
Any information container in an information container structure can be related to one or more
objects by following the rules in 5.3.
Table 3 shows examples of different information containers from Figure 6 related to one object.
Table 3 – Example of information containers in a structure related to one object
Object designation: Information container Information
Wind turbine generator designations
=A1 &AB1 Main information list
=A1 &AB1&AB1&DA1 Data sheet – Lubrication system
=A1 &AB1&AB2&FS1 Circuit diagram – Warning system

– 16 – IEC 81355-1:2024 © IEC 2024
5.5 Reference to a specific part of an information container
To refer to a specific part of an information container, the information container designation can
be combined with a reference to the part of interest. This reference is defined by (see Figure 7):
1) the designation of the object to which the container is related, followed by;
2) the designation of the information container related to the object, followed by;
3) the reference to the specific part of the information container.
If used, the reference to a specific part of an information container shall apply alphabetical
characters (letters A to Z, except I and O) or numerical characters (numbers 0, 1, 3…), or a
combination of letters and numbers. The method used for part designation shall be explained
in a document or in supporting documentation.
The reference shall be separated from the information container designation part by the
character "/" (solidus), (see Figure 7). The presentation of the separator sign may be omitted if
no confusion is likely, for example when the part reference is shown in a separate column of a
table.
Figure 7 – Information container designation combined with part reference
Examples of information container designation with part references are shown in Table 4.
Table 4 – Examples for information container designation with part reference
Information container designation Description
with part reference
&DA1/C3 Data sheet, column 3
&FS1/5 Single-line circuit diagram, page 5
&FS2/H3 Multi-line circuit diagram, column H line 3
&LH1/LL23 Mechanical layout 23 mm from the lower left

5.6 Form of presentation
In order for a human to see the content of an information container, it has to be presented in a
certain format. For the exchange of information containers between parties, it may for some
presentation formats be important to indicate the kind of presentation used.
A list of forms of presentations is given in Annex C.
In the context of this document, the form of presentation related to an information container is
considered as additional information related to the information container designation.

Where the form of presentation is presented together with an information container designation,
the form of presentation shall be presented within parentheses preceded by the information
container designation, see Figure 8.

Figure 8 – Presentation of a form in combination with
an information container designation
EXAMPLE An information container for layout information, presented in the form of a drawing, is designated
&LH1(L).
5.7 Identification of documents
For identification of documents, a document numbering system or other numbering systems are
normally used. In most cases, they fulfil identification purposes inside the borderlines of an
organization, together with organization-specific requirements. An information container
designation according to this document is not intended to replace any of these numbering
systems but serves as an additional means for the purposes described.
The object designation shall unambiguously specify the object to which an information container
is related. This implies that an object designation shall be (or be made) unambiguous in a
specified context.
A reference designation in accordance with the IEC/ISO 81346 standard series fulfils the
requirement of being unambiguous by itself and is recommended for designation of objects. For
objects without a reference designation, any other designation can be used, for example a
product-ID, a type-ID, a project number, or even a plain text term, provided the string of
characters is unambiguous.
5.8 Information for identification purposes
The information container designation cannot provide all information needed concerning the
content in each step of the life cycle. Supplementary information is required for that purpose,
see IEC 82045-1 and IEC 82045-2.
In IEC 82045-2:2004, document kind classification code (DCC) is used as a defined metadata,
with the identifier "DocumentClassIdIEC61355". Pending a defined metadata for the ICC
according to this document, it is recommended to use this metadata.

– 18 – IEC 81355-1:2024 © IEC 2024
6 Documentation
6.1 General
This document classifies information about one or more objects. Information is always stored
and conveyed in an information container. The information container can include information of
one or more information classes related to the object. The practical purpose of the information
container is to convey the information among stakeholders of the systems, i.e., exchange of
information among parties.
Examples of information containers are shown in Table B.2.
Documentation in its legal sense, either in the form of paper-based documents or in digital
formats, is created for the purpose of reference and traceability.
A document is an information container in a format suitable for human perception, which
contains a momentary state of information at a defined time.
If a document contains multiple kinds of information and thus multiple ICCs, then it can be
designated with ICCs in 'part of' relations as described in 5.4.
6.2 Moving from DCC to ICC
IEC 61355-1 introduced the document kind classification code (DCC) based on the thesis that
documents should be classified according to their content. However, the criterion of the DCC
classification of documents was the information which the document contained. Therefore, the
DCC has, to the extent possible, been converted to information kind classification
...