This International Standard gives a method of establishing a flexible life cycle model and gives guidance on efficient and easy-to-understand handling technical documents during the product life cycle. The product life cycle takes different company-specific requirements into account, in accordance with project management techniques. For general use in connection with non-company-specific requirements, procedures, processes and products, it may be necessary to establish a standardized life-cycle model with defined phases.

This International Standard is intended for use in companies, bodies of authority and other organizations who deal with manufactured products, with the compilation and use of technical documents during the product life cycle. It is not applicable either to services or software.

This International Standard is intended to be an aid in controlling and coordinating documents, in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 9002, and ISO 9003.