What is STEP?

... a computer-interpretable definition of physical and functional characteristics of a product - the product data - during its complete lifecycle.

... an international standard (ISO 10303) for the data exchange between various systems (CAD, CAM, CAE and PDM).
... a method, which has proved its usabilty for a fast and reliable exchange and common use of data between partners (e.g manufacturers and suppliers, in-house and worldwide), who use different computer- and application systems.
... a key technolgy for product data to efficiently support:

Interoperability
Integration of Process Chains
Web-based Cooperation
Product Description Lifecycle Managent

... the basis for the re-use of development-, planning- and process data.
... a method which is supported throughout a wide variety of processors and other software which are available for commercial use.
... the foundation for strategies like Concurrent Engineering, Company Integration or Electronic Commerce
... in full use in application areas like:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Process Planning
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
Product Data Management (PDM)
Engineering Analysis
Systems Engineering
Design

... a collection of standardized data models, and thus reference model for all applications concerning product data.
... a standardized data exchange format.
... an interface for the implementation of product data applications.
... a design method for data exchange- and distributed data management standards.
... a framework for product models.

STEP(STandard for the Exchange of Product Data) is an international Standard for the description of physical and functional characteristics of product data. The standard is formally known as "ISO 10303 Industrial automation systems and integration - Product data representation and exchange". Many countries were involved in the development, including Germany, England, France, Italy, Japan, USA. Its development takes place under control of the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), TC 184 (Technical Committee "Industrial Automation Systems and Integration") and SC 4 (Subcommittee "Industrial Data").

Official dokuments are available regarding:

ISO Standards Organisation STEP Sub Committee TC 184 / SC4

Additional documents:

Introducing STEP, Canadian STEP Center
STEP Application Handbook

What is STEP?

Overview