REFERENCE DESIGNATION SYSTEM

It s all about creating a common language

By Henrik Balslev, Systems Engineering A/S

WHY
COMMON LANGUAGE SYSTEM TAGGING FINANCIAL EFFECT
In system engineering there is a need for identification Identification could be done simply by naming the systems Working with a system architecture based on RDS has a
of systems and their elements. The identification can and elements, but as complexity grows this is insufficient significant financial impact on project execution. The
ensure that all stakeholders speak about the system with and there is a need for specific identifiers (tags). A industry example below demonstrates the real world value
a common language and can easily exchange and find Reference Designation System (RDS) can provide such for an EPC client selling large and complex off-shore
system information across models and documents. identifiers to ensure unambiguous identification. transformer platforms in multi-million dollar projects.

Project hours spent vs. Hours budgetted

200% 200%
180%
System
? 150%
160%
140%
120%
100% 100%
80%
60%
50%
System System System 40%
element element element 20%
0% 0%
Project 1 Project 2 Project 3

Project management Site management Engineering

Construction Budget line

WHAT
81346 Reference Designations

The ISO/IEC 81346 standard series provides principles By combining structure, classification and numbering,
and rules for a Reference Designation System that can each element of the system can be assigned a Reference
unambiguously identify systems and system elements. Designation (RD) to serve as a point of synchronization
between all stakeholders in the system life cycle.

International principles
Not stakeholder 1 + 2 + 3 =
specific

Scalable for small

IT compatible
and large projects

Life-cycle stable code

Easy to understand
and implement
=G1=GPA1 Reference Designation

1 Structures 2 Classification 3 Numbering

The system and its elements are structured in composition All sub-systems and system elements in the structures are All sub-systems and system elements are numbered.
hierarchies based on different aspects of the system design. classified using a simple functional classification scheme
There are four basic aspects: Function (=), Product (-), represented by letter codes.
Location (+) and Type (%).

= Fuel system – Pump module =G Fuel system –G Pump module =G1 Fuel system –G1 Pump module
= Pump – Pump =GPA Pump –GPA Pump =GPA1 Pump –GPA1 Pump
= Hose – Motor =WPC Hose –MAA Motor =WPC1 Hose –MAA1 Motor
= Fuel tank – Valve =CMA Fuel tank –QMA Valve =CMA1 Fuel tank –QMA1 Valve

HOW
About us
Systems Engineering A/S

RDS 81346 Company specific terms Local language versions Systems Engineering A/S is an independent consulting firm that
specializes in the implementation and application of Systems
Engineering principles for private and public clients. We help you to
systemize, digitize and save money in design and implementation of
complex systems in compliance with international standards.
transformer
sensor
distance

gateway

conveyer
gas

machine
sleeve
scanner

roller plate low

detecting
concentration

panel
transmitter movement solar
hb@syseng.dk (+45) 25 94 80 30 www.syseng.dk
meter bridge
smoke
tower

stop
pump

detector antenna
light

level

presence
sheet
rotary

circulation
guard
door

enabling liquid
rail speed
voltage current
limiter

plug

shower
fan

flange wind
anchor
device
cooling

grinder
control pipe

measuring damper
high indicator
regulation

deck

mill
density

gate
cable
laser

coupling
tube

filter optical

switch
gear

shed
gutter
flow
lock

lamp signal
base

bar
relay reader object position
Downloads
transistor
brick

servo-motor foundation pressure

pir
building
magnetic

disconnector power
concrete

head

bus
2-position

3-position

two-hand water bearing

propeller

Paper Poster Video

Let your employees search Search in your own language Visit
for your own company terms www.81346.com