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.