Overview
IEC 82045-2:2004 - Document management: Metadata elements and information reference model defines a comprehensive, standardized set of metadata elements for documenting, exchanging and managing documents. The standard provides an EXPRESS-based information reference model and a corresponding XML Document Type Definition (DTD) to support interoperable data exchange and implementation of document management systems (DMS). It is aimed at ensuring consistent metadata capture, document identification and machine-readable exchange across tools and organizations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Standardized metadata set: A structured collection of metadata elements (labels, identifiers, definitions and predefined values) forming the canonical metadata resource for document management.
- Information reference model (EXPRESS): A normative information model (see Annex A) expressed in EXPRESS and illustrated with EXPRESS‑G diagrams to define entities and relationships used in document descriptions.
- XML implementation (DTD): A normative XML Document Type Definition (Annex B) and examples showing how metadata are serialized for document exchange.
- Conformance classes: Defined conformance requirements (Conformance Class 1, 2, 3) that specify different levels of implementation coverage for entities and metadata.
- Presentation and usage rules: Rules for how metadata are presented on/in documents and how identifiers and obligations are applied.
- Registration and exchange framework: Guidance for registering information objects and exchanging metadata between systems.
- Cross‑references to other standards: Mappings and relations to other metadata standards (e.g., ISO 7200, Dublin Core / ISO 15836, ISO 690‑2) included in informative annexes.
Practical applications
IEC 82045-2 is practical wherever consistent document metadata and interoperable exchange are required:
- Building or upgrading a document management system (DMS) to ensure standardized metadata capture and exchange.
- Implementing data exchange between engineering tools, publishers, and archives using the provided XML DTD.
- Creating metadata registries, document identification schemas, or compliance frameworks for technical publications and regulated documentation.
- Enabling long‑term preservation and discovery by standardizing descriptive metadata for documents.
Who should use this standard
- Standards developers and technical committees
- DMS vendors and software integrators
- Information architects, records managers and librarians
- Engineering and manufacturing organizations that need interoperable document exchange
- Archivists and compliance officers managing formal documentation lifecycles
Related standards
- ISO 7200 (document header identification)
- ISO 15836 / Dublin Core (basic metadata element set)
- ISO 690‑2 (bibliographic references)
Keywords: IEC 82045-2, metadata elements, document management, information reference model, EXPRESS, XML DTD, metadata standard, data exchange, document management system.
