Released on 10 October 2025, DEXPI 2.0 brings a future-proof format, enhanced process modeling, and a standard serialization for P&IDs, PFDs, and BFDs
DEXPI e.V. proudly announces the publication of the DEXPI 2.0 Specification on 10 October 2025. This major update unifies and advances the existing DEXPI P&ID Specification version 1.4 and the DEXPI Process Specification 1.0, introducing a new UML-based Information Model format alongside a standardized XML serialization method. DEXPI 2.0 aims to simplify implementation, improve interoperability, and ensure backward compatibility, offering a clear path forward for digital information exchange in the process industry.
Introducing DEXPI 2.0: What’s New and Why It Matters
Digitalization is transforming the process industry, with accurate and standardized data exchange becoming more critical than ever. DEXPI (Data Exchange in the Process Industry) has been a key driver toward harmonizing how process information such as Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Block Flow Diagrams (BFDs) are modeled and shared.
Building on previous releases, DEXPI 2.0 delivers significant technical and practical improvements designed to support software vendors, engineering companies, and end users alike. Let’s take a closer look at the core innovations and benefits:
- A future-proof UML-based Information Model format “DEXPI XML”: Defining a simplified format for representing the UML elements of interest, the new format for information modeling enables an alternative way for setting up conceptual models without the need for the XMI format. It forms the foundation for reliable software integration, reducing complexity for implementers.
- “DEXPI XML” standardized serialization: For the first time, DEXPI introduces a common XML format to serialize the content of P&IDs, PFDs and BFDs, replacing the earlier Proteus Schema. This standardization simplifies data interchange between systems, enabling smoother workflows and reducing vendor lock-in.
- Backward compatible P&ID content: The P&ID specification content, also called the “plant model,” remains unchanged from version 1.4, ensuring existing projects and integrations continue without disruption.
- Enhanced Process Model with over 30 change requests incorporated: Improvements include the addition of a parameter qualification mechanism that supports more detailed and precise data definitions, enhancing model expressiveness and usability.
- Standard serialization for Process Diagrams: Whereas before no serialization standard existed for BFDs and PFDs within DEXPI Process, now DEXPI 2.0 defines how to consistently serialize these diagrams with “DEXPI XML”, simplifying their exchange and use in engineering software.
- Open and accessible on GitLab: The full DEXPI 2.0 Specification is now freely available in the official GitLab repository under the Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, fostering transparency and encouraging community adoption. https://gitlab.com/dexpi/Specification
Main Highlights of DEXPI 2.0 at a Glance
- Inclusion of DEXPI P&ID Specification version 1.4 (released end 2024)
- Improvements to DEXPI Process Specification 1.0 (released end 2023) with 30+ Change Requests
- Launch of “DEXPI XML”,
- a new format for UML-based Information Models (alternative to XMI)
- a new standard serialization replacing the Proteus Schema for P&IDs
- introducing for the first time a serialization BFDs and PFDs within DEXPI Process
- Backward compatibility maintained for the P&ID “plant model” content
- Specification available open and free on GitLab under CC BY 4.0
Looking Ahead: The Standard Library Initiative
Alongside the specification, DEXPI e.V. is advancing the development of the Standard Library — a curated set of templates designed to extend or restrict the DEXPI Specification to better support specific engineering processes and requirements. The Standard Library aims to streamline and harmonize engineering workflows by providing consistent reusable building blocks.
We invite software vendors, process engineers, and industry professionals to actively contribute ideas, feedback, and content to this initiative by joining DEXPI e.V. Your participation will help shape practical, robust standards that truly meet the needs of the global process industry.
Events to Learn More and Engage
DEXPI will soon host a release event in Q4 2025 spotlighting the key innovations introduced in DEXPI 2.0, including live discussions with contributors and hands-on demonstrations. Details will be announced shortly.
Looking further ahead, the DEXPI Days 1.0 event taking place in January 2026 provides an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding, network with the community, and engage directly with experts shaping the future of process data exchange. https://dexpi.org/event/dexpi-days-1-0/
Collaboration Behind the Release
The new DEXPI 2.0 Specification is the result of a focused collaborative effort by the DEXPI Plant SIG, DEXPI Process SIG, and the DEXPI Specification Steering Team. This collaboration ensures that the standard remains aligned with real-world engineering needs while leveraging the collective expertise of the community.
Get Started with DEXPI 2.0 Today
Access the full specification on GitLab here: https://gitlab.com/dexpi/Specification The specification is published under the permissive Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license, enabling free use and adaptation with attribution.