What is IEC 60746-3:2013?

IEC 60746-3:2013, also known as "Industrial-process measurement and control – Data structures and elements in process equipment catalogues," is an international standard that provides guidelines for organizing and structuring data in process equipment catalogues used in industrial automation systems. It was published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to ensure consistency and interoperability among different manufacturers' catalogues.

Why is IEC 60746-3:2013 important?

The standard plays a crucial role in enabling efficient communication and integration of various process equipment within industrial automation systems. By defining a common structure for cataloging data, it facilitates the exchange of information between different software applications, simplifies system integration, and enhances the accuracy and reliability of data used for monitoring and controlling industrial processes.

Main Requirements of IEC 60746-3:2013

The standard outlines specific requirements that manufacturers must meet when creating process equipment catalogues. These requirements include:

Data Structure: Catalogues must follow a standardized hierarchical structure, with well-defined categories and subcategories for different types of equipment and their attributes.

Data Elements: Each equipment category and attribute must have a defined set of data elements assigned to it, such as identification codes, performance specifications, and functional descriptions.

Data Representation: The standard specifies the format and syntax for representing data elements, ensuring consistency and compatibility across different catalogues and software systems.

Information Exchange: Catalogues should support data exchange in commonly used formats, such as XML or related data exchange standards, allowing seamless integration between automation systems.

Benefits of Implementing IEC 60746-3:2013

The adoption and implementation of IEC 60746-3:2013 can bring several benefits to industrial automation systems:

Interoperability: By adhering to a common data structure, equipment from different manufacturers can be easily integrated into a single system, enhancing flexibility and enabling more efficient cross-vendor communication.

Efficient System Integration: Catalogues following the standard allow for streamlined integration with software applications, reducing time and effort required for system setup and maintenance.

Accurate and Reliable Data: The standardized format ensures consistent and reliable data representation, minimizing errors and discrepancies when exchanging information between systems.

Enhanced Process Control: With well-organized catalogues, operators can quickly access necessary equipment information, leading to improved process control and decision-making.

In conclusion, IEC 60746-3:2013 plays a vital role in establishing a common structure and guidelines for organizing process equipment data. The standard's adoption brings numerous benefits, including improved interoperability, efficient system integration, and enhanced process control. Compliance with these guidelines ensures consistency and reliability across different manufacturers' catalogues, contributing to the overall success of industrial automation systems.