Introduction to IMF
IMF (Information Modeling Framework) introduces a cutting-edge approach to creating structured information models, widely adopted in Norway’s oil and gas industry for standard technical modeling. IMF allows the development of reusable models (IMF Types) for various asset aspects. PCA leads the development of tools and services to support the creation and collective approval of IMF Types by member organizations.
While some IMF Types are currently available for exploration, they are provisional and subject to upcoming updates.
IMF Types & relationship to reference terms
IMF (“Information Modeling Framework”) defines a set of rules of how to represent technical types and the relationship between them, as well as the role of reference terms within them. There are categories of IMF Types defined, namely, IMF Attribute, IMF Terminal, and IMF Block. Their definitions and relationships are best described using a Lego block. Consider the following Lego block.​
IMF Attributes
As one can see, the Lego block has some distinct characteristics - its color is blue, and its size is large. If we were to represent these characteristics with IMF, we would do so using IMF Attributes. To capture the meaning of these characteristics, we would have the IMF Attribute point to the relevant reference terms.
IMF Terminals
The Lego block also has 8 connectors on top and 8 connectors on the bottom. This sets the limits for how the Lego block may be connected to other Lego pieces. To represent these connectors in IMF, one would make use of IMF Terminals.
IMF Blocks
Lastly, there is the concept of the Lego block in itself. The Lego block is defined in its entirety by its characteristics, connectors, and the notion of it itself. To capture this whole in IMF, one would make use of an IMF Block.
The example of the Lego block is a simple one, but nonetheless covers the core concepts of IMF. IMF Types may become large and complex, as is only natural.
You can read more details about IMF on imfid.org.