A semantic framework for the life cycle of water assets data exchange

Information exchange in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) industry is an inherent research problem with large implications for construction projects, in what are known as the issues of interoperability; the term 'interoperability' is usually used synonymously with the term 'data integration'. Information exchange usually takes place during different project phases in multiple instances. In this regard, product Information exchange during product procurement, which usually happens at the design phase, is a prominent research problem in the building domain, from which, tools such as the BIM object libraries have stemmed. Yet, researchers still argue that there is a lack of suppliers' participation in the flow of product data and that the semantic meaning of information is often lost or misinterpreted during product information exchange. With this in mind, issues pertinent to product information exchange in the utility infrastructure sector are even magnified in comparison to buildings. Reasons for this magnification are attributed to the complex non-graphical information requirements that characterise the utility infrastructure sector, and the lack of research in the area. On this matter, the water infrastructure industry in the United Kingdom relies on Product Data Templates (PDTs) for the communication and exchange of product information mainly with product suppliers. Using static documents such as PDTs to exchange product information hinders the ability to compare product specifications, prevents automatic product information flow, and makes data validation a lengthy manual process. The aim of this research is to facilitate the exchange of product information between suppliers and water companies to support the life cycle of product information flow.