What is an Object Type Library (OTL)?

Developing, managing, and maintaining assets like bridges, dikes, and substations requires accurate data, the right digital tools, and the ability to interpret and use large amounts of data. However, this is a constant challenge, as data is often scattered across multiple systems, causing inconsistencies and interoperability issues. The solution? Structured and standardized data.

To achieve this, you need an Object Type Library (OTL), also known as a Reference Data Library (RDL), an Ontology, or ‘objectenbibliotheek’ in Dutch. An OTL provides a structured way to define and share data, acting as a common reference point for different systems and stakeholders.

Continue reading to learn more about:

What an OTL is and how it works,
why businesses need an OTL,
real-world applications of an OTL.

An OTL is a structured framework that provides a common language for communication. Whereas a dictionary only defines words for human communication, an OTL also standardizes terms and relationships for communication between systems.

The concept of an OTL originates from the process industry, where it was known as a Reference Data Library (RDL). It contains information about ‘the types of objects’ used in a specific domain, such as infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing, along with their attributes (e.g., dimensions, color, installation date) and relationships (e.g., supplier, location).

By using an OTL, you ensure that all stakeholders, such as asset owners or contractors and their software applications, interpret and use data consistently, reducing miscommunication and inefficiencies.

Why do you need an Object Type Library?

Without an OTL, organizations face challenges in managing and exchanging asset-related data:

Data silos across software applications: Organizations use a wide range of software applications to manage assets (like GIS, CAD, BIM, and PLM). Each of them stores data in different formats, making it difficult to access and reuse data.
Inconsistent terminology: Different stakeholders, such as contractors, engineering firms, and suppliers use different terminology for the same data, leading to errors and inefficiencies when working together.
Integrating with external sources: aligning internal data with external sources, such as national registries or regulatory data becomes complex without a standard structure.

An OTL helps you to solve these challenges by providing a structured and standardized way to define and manage data. It serves as a key component, enabling:

Standardizing definitions: Ensuring consistent terminology for the same concepts across all stakeholders.
Data reusability: Enabling integration of concepts with norms, standards, product catalogs, and other structured data sources.
Data exchange: Structuring data for interoperability between software systems and organizations.

Use cases of an Object Type Library

So, you can implement an OTL for the three following examples of use:

Case 1. Object Type Library for standardized communication
An OTL acts as a standardized dictionary or vocabulary, ensuring that all stakeholders, both humans and software applications, refer to the same concepts. By structuring definitions into categories, an OTL makes it easier for businesses to align communication and process information effectively, preventing confusion and enhancing interoperability.

Case 2. Object Type Library for Data Reuse
Data in business operations often originates from multiple sources, including standards, norms, and guidelines. Without structure, teams waste time searching for and converting information into usable formats. An Object Type Library explicitly links each piece of relevant data to another. This vastly improves the process of gathering and transforming data into useful information.

Case 3. Object Type Library for data exchange between businesses
Organizations struggle with proprietary formats and siloed systems, making data sharing inefficient. An OTL bridges these gaps by defining a common data model that software applications can interpret consistently. Using Linked Data principles, an OTL ensures accessible, reusable, and interoperable data. For example, when an asset management team needs supplier information, both parties can rely on an OTL to structure their data exchange. This eliminates mismatched file formats or ambiguous definitions and ensures easy integration into asset management software. This approach enhances efficiency and prevents vendor lock-in, allowing businesses to choose the best software solutions without compatibility concerns.

How you can start

An OTL is a powerful tool for standardizing data communication, improving information reuse, and enabling efficient collaboration. Whether you’re an asset owner, contractor, or software provider, adopting an OTL ensures structured, accessible, and interoperable data.

At Semmtech, we help organizations develop, structure, or optimize OTLs, integrate them with existing systems, and enhance data management using Linked Data principles. Our expertise ensures compliance with industry standards like ISO 15926 for seamless data exchange.

Interested in implementing or improving your OTL? Schedule a 30-minute consultation with one of our OTL experts to explore how we can support your data management strategy.