IEC 62014-4:2015(E) describes an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) schema for meta-data documenting intellectual property (IP) used in the development, implementation, and verification of electronic systems and an application programming interface (API) to provide tool access to the meta-data. This schema provides a standard method to document IP that is compatible with automated integration techniques. The API provides a standard method for linking tools into a system development framework, enabling a more flexible, optimized development environment.