Material data matter - Standard data format for engineering materials

Standardisation is often linked to the very existence of an industry and its evolutionary dynamics especially in sectors where activities are particularly reliant on network economies. This paper investigates the interests of the stakeholders of the materials industry in the effort of setting the basis for standard-compliant formats for engineering materials test data used in materials test certificates (TCs). Test certificates provide a guarantee of origin, characteristics and materials specifications. A transition to standardised electronic-test certificates (E-TCs) is thought to offer advantages over the static alternatives currently in use. This work highlights that the stakeholders involved in the process have a general need for a standard compliant data model yet their particular interests might not be completely aligned. The choice of an open, non-proprietary, data format and compatibility of the standard with legacy technological solutions prove to be critical for the implementation of standardised E-TCs.