Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for identifying and organizing assembly project item information in such a way that item data sets can be readily defined and recorded, quickly searched and compared, and accurately transmitted among software applications and translated into the form needed without the need for human intervention or interpretation. A typical environment will include a common taxonomy to provide standardize communication. The taxonomy uses a common set of terms including element names representing items and item categories and criteria associated with given elements. A common data structure is used to store criteria across disparate elements. The taxonomy is typically organized hierarchically, and many embodiments use a hierarchical criteria interface to view, select and insert element information.