Overview
ISO 23247-3:2021 - Automation systems and integration - Digital twin framework for manufacturing - Part 3: Digital representation of manufacturing elements - defines the essential information attributes necessary for creating digital representations of observable manufacturing elements (OMEs). Designed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this part builds on the digital twin framework for manufacturing, offering guidance on structuring and standardizing data for personnel, equipment, materials, processes, facilities, environments, products, and supporting documentation within manufacturing operations.
By describing which data attributes to capture and referencing related standards, ISO 23247-3:2021 helps organizations build interoperable and scalable digital twins for smart manufacturing environments. This standard is a core resource for aligning information models, improving manufacturing process visibility, and enabling seamless integration across automation, control, and enterprise systems.
Key Topics
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Observable Manufacturing Elements (OMEs): The standard focuses on digital representations for OMEs including:
- Personnel
- Equipment
- Material
- Process
- Facility
- Environment
- Product
- Supporting Documents
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Information Attributes: It identifies fundamental attribute categories for each OME such as:
- Identifier (unique identification)
- Characteristics (features, classifications)
- Schedule (time-based information)
- Status (current condition or state)
- Location (geographic or relative)
- Report (activity or usage logs)
- Relationship (connections with other OMEs)
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Attribute Types: Attributes are classified as:
- Static: Do not change during manufacturing (e.g., serial number)
- Dynamic: Change during manufacturing (e.g., current temperature)
- Mandatory: Must be present for any OME representation
- Optional: Included depending on the specific application or use case
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Customizable Information Models: While templates and examples are provided, manufacturers can tailor attribute sets and structures to fit their specific contexts or sector standards.
Applications
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Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: By defining how to digitally represent all elements involved in manufacturing, ISO 23247-3:2021 enables robust digital twins, supporting advanced use cases such as:
- Real-time process monitoring and control
- Predictive maintenance
- In-process adaptation
- Operational analytics and machine learning
- Enhanced traceability and compliance
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Interoperability and Integration: The standard references various widely-adopted industrial data models and technologies, ensuring compatibility and interoperability across systems like MES, ERP, and PLM.
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Data Consistency Across Domains: Provides a foundation for harmonized data exchange between different areas of manufacturing - including discrete, process, and hybrid industries - and supports both internal optimization and supply chain collaboration.
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Regulatory and Quality Management: Structured digital representation supports regulatory compliance, robust quality management, and streamlined audits by making all relevant manufacturing data readily accessible and analyzable.
Related Standards
ISO 23247-3:2021 interacts with and references multiple standards for digital representation and information attributes. Key related standards include:
By conforming to ISO 23247-3:2021, manufacturers improve their capability to design, maintain, and evolve digital twins, driving efficiency, traceability, and innovation in digital manufacturing environments.
Keywords: ISO 23247-3, digital twin, manufacturing elements, automation systems, data integration, Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, information attributes, interoperability, industrial standards.
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