Data Standardization Product Standards
Data standardization at the product level describes the harmonization of product classifications, master data structures, and digital product representations – so that product data becomes machine-readable, usable across the entire lifecycle, and system-independent. It is not about communication protocols, but about the semantic description of products and assets themselves.
This building block covers standards such as ECLASS (unified product classification and description), the Asset Administration Shell (AAS as the digital twin standard), and the Digital Product Passport (DPP) – the European regulatory project for machine-readable product lifecycle data. It clearly distinguishes itself from the data standardization-communication building block, which covers protocols like OPC UA and MQTT.
Regulatory pressure is enormous: the EU Battery Regulation requires a mandatory battery passport based on the DPP from 2027. The EUDR (deforestation regulation), CO₂ footprint requirements, and further regulations follow. Companies that build product data standards now create the compliance foundation for the coming years – while simultaneously securing competitive advantages in the data-driven supply chain.
Which product data standards are concretely used in practice?
These standards and concepts are deployed in real projects from our network – from product classification to digital twin.
ECLASS – Product classification and description
ECLASS is the world's leading ISO/IEC-compliant standard for the uniform classification and semantic description of products and services. With more than 28,000 characteristics, it forms the basis for interoperable product catalogs and digital twins.
Asset Administration Shell (AAS) – Digital administration shell
The AAS is the IEC-standardized digital twin for industrial assets. It documents products throughout their entire lifecycle with static master data and dynamic operational data – as the basis for digital product passports and Industry 4.0 ecosystems.
Digital Product Passport (DPP)
The DPP is a European regulatory project that makes product-relevant data – material composition, CO₂ footprint, origin, recyclability – machine-readable and available across the supply chain. First mandatory requirement: battery passport from 2027.
Product data management and master data governance
Structured data architecture for product master data: uniform definitions, characteristics, and relationships between assemblies, components, and materials – as the foundation for all downstream processes.
Data spaces and secure data sharing
Initiatives like Catena-X and GAIA-X enable the controlled exchange of product data along the supply chain – secure, sovereign, and preserving operational and business secrets.
Digital nameplates and product identities
Every machine and component receives a unique digital identity with standardized characteristics (e.g., according to the AAS submodel 'Digital Nameplate') – the basis for automated onboarding and lifecycle tracking.
Why do so many companies lack control over their product data?
Product data in most companies has grown historically, is fragmented, and proprietary. These challenges we encounter regularly.
Incomplete and inconsistent product master data
Many companies do not know which materials are used in their products, which certificates are valid, or which technical characteristics apply to which market.
Proprietary data structures without interoperability
Every system uses its own formats and designations. What is 'item no. 12345' in the ERP has a different designation in the CAD system and a third format in the supplier portal.
Regulatory compliance as a growing burden
The EU Battery Regulation, EUDR, CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), and further regulations require machine-readable product data – which does not exist in most companies.
Supply chain transparency missing for Scope 3 reporting
CO₂ footprint, material origin, and recyclability can only be calculated if product data across the entire supply chain is structured and machine-readable.
Data handover between lifecycle phases
From design through manufacturing, operation, to disposal, product information is lost or must be manually re-entered. A continuous digital lifecycle record is missing.
What does consistent product data management concretely deliver?
Companies that build product data standards today create the foundation for compliance, efficiency, and new business models of tomorrow.
Regulatory compliance without emergency measures
Those who structure product data today fulfill the Battery Regulation, EUDR, and CO₂ reporting without costly emergency restructuring. Compliance becomes a process, not a crisis.
Transparent and resilient supply chains
Machine-readable product data along the entire supply chain enables early risk detection, bottleneck identification, and rapid response to changes.
More efficient product development and system integration
Uniform product descriptions significantly reduce integration and translation effort between CAD, ERP, PLM, and manufacturing systems – new products reach production faster.
Foundation for digital twins and new services
Structured AAS-based product data is the prerequisite for dynamic digital twins – and thus for data-driven after-sales services, predictive maintenance, and lifecycle management.
Competitive advantage in the European market
Companies that build DPP-capable product data early differentiate themselves as reliable, compliance-ready partners – and secure market share in regulated industries.
Future-proof data foundation for AI and automation
Consistent, semantically enriched product data is the foundation for AI-supported product configuration, automated sourcing, and intelligent quality assurance.
Our experts for Data Standardization Product Standards
These companies successfully use Data Standardization Product Standards.
