Over the past 10 years a number of standard methodologies have been developed for efficient handling of equipment data sheets. The methodologies range from the use of electronic forms and Excel spreadsheets to composite product model standards such as ISO15926-7. Currently following developments are of importance:

1. ISO15926-7

This is a methodology by which a data sheet, or any other document, is broken down in parts/subparts (e.g. chapter or section) and each part in "cells" (e.g. Inlet Press. 15.6 barg). Three templates cover the document, document parts, and the document cells. Each of these templates carry meta data. The templates for the cells contain a reference to a template instance that represents that information, as well as a standard query script. In the document template a "presentation script" is given, that can dynamically generate the document in PDF or other format, thereby using the query scripts of the cells and a date-time stamp given. It fetches the data valid at that date and time, and presents these on the document. ISO15926-7 has been sent to ISO for TS (Technical Specification) ballot in February 2008. More information can be found here.

2. AEX Schema

A working group from FIATECH USA developed XML schemas for pumps and for heat exchangers. The work is done in cooperation with the major pump manufacturers and software vendors. More information can be found here

3. NE100
   This standard has been developed by PROLIST , a workgroup under NAMUR the German association for instrumentation. The standard is a formal DIN standard. It covers some 150 instruments for each of which lists of properties have been defined. Currently the standard is being piloted by German companies.
   
   
4. Gellish Table

A Gellish table is a way of representing equipment data in a standardised way using simple relationships of the kind A relationship B for example P-101 shall have capacoity 200 m3/hr. Definitions are conform ISO15926-4. The Gellish table is applied in a number of practical projects such as Westerschelde Tunnel, Roertunnel, ICAAM compressor luboil system model.