Based on the need of unified access to process plant related
information across disciplines, companies and lifecycle phases
as well as efforts to establish methods of modularization and
standardization, this paper introduces a conceptual framework to
address these challenges. Based on a systematic literature
review and an analysis of data and information flows of two
companies, a comprehensive list of requirements is derived. A
conceptual framework is proposed based on these requirements
and consisting of four linked structures with distinct types of
elements. Also, the concept of metadata management within the
framework is illustrated which utilizes interfaces to the native
Data Management Systems. These interfaces are used to
retrieve source data of asset attributes managed within the
framework.