ISO/TR 23087:2018 - The Big Picture of standards (Overview)
ISO/TR 23087:2018 is a Technical Report from ISO (Automation systems and integration) that provides a reference framework for the “Big Picture” project. The Big Picture is a methodology and visualization toolkit designed to monitor the consistency and positioning of published standards and active standardization projects, particularly in the manufacturing and smart manufacturing domains. Although developed initially for ISO/TC 184 and IEC/TC 65, the framework is applicable across manufacturing sectors and helps stakeholders understand the impact and relationships of standards.
Key Topics
The report focuses on structured analysis and visual mapping of standards through a set of defined criteria and tools:
- Big Picture diagram - a graphical representation that places standards and projects within a common landscape (role level, value chain, life cycle).
- Matrix and facets - structured attributes to describe each standard/project, including:
- Object of standardization
- Type of standard
- Sector
- Life cycle and value chain
- Role level (e.g., enterprise, device, system)
- Interoperability approach, barriers, and concerns
- Conformity, point of view, and genericity
- Explicit relationships and relation with other committees
- Conceptual background and objectives - clarifies goals such as outreach, monitoring redundancy, and promoting standardization visibility.
- Annexes - practical examples for visualizing Big Picture data and a sample matrix to guide implementation.
Note: ISO/TR 23087 is a technical report (informative), intended as guidance rather than a prescriptive normative standard.
Applications and Who Uses It
ISO/TR 23087 is practical for anyone involved in standards strategy, alignment, or adoption in manufacturing and automation:
- Standards developers and technical committees (ISO/TC 184, IEC/TC 65 and related bodies) - to map scope overlaps and gaps and coordinate projects.
- Industry managers and system architects - to assess which standards affect processes, products, or interoperability.
- Standards program planners and policy makers - for strategic monitoring and outreach across value chains.
- Systems integrators, compliance officers, and product managers - to identify applicable standards and interoperability risks.
- Researchers and consultants - to analyze standardization landscapes and recommend harmonization actions.
Related Standards and Guidance
- ISO/TC 184 deliverables and scope documents
- IEC/TC 65 guidance and sector activities
- ISO/IEC Guide 75 (mentioned historically in the report) and ISO/IEC Directives (procedural context)
Keywords: ISO/TR 23087:2018, Big Picture of standards, automation systems and integration, standards mapping, smart manufacturing standards, interoperability, ISO/TC 184, IEC/TC 65.
