This document specifies a framework for building systems for the classification of requirements. Such systems can be used to indicate requirements of special importance, and communicate them for production set-up, verification, audit, etc.

This document:

—     gives background information why such systems are useful in many areas of manufacturing;

—     can be referred to for the concept of classification of requirements;

—     functions as a framework for applying such systems in technical product documentation (TPD);

—     indicates the needed elements for a classification system;

—     supports with aspects in the choice of symbols for a classification system.

As a framework, this document does not give the details of a specific classification system. Instead, it functions as a basis for an organization-specific system which contains details such as notations and symbols, classification levels, assessment procedures, etc., including usage and interpretation in the TPD.

This document does not specify the contractual consequences of a classification (e.g. needed actions such as choice of tools, reliability index or process capability for a classification level) nor other references to standards or documents for handling classifications and nonconformity to requirements.