IPC-2581 is a generic standard for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing description data and transfer methodology. Manufacturing information for PCB has needed an modern, independent standard for some time. A consortium composed of 12 members from the design, manufacturing and EDA tools companies has developed this standard. Zuken is a member of the consortium and has announced that it is the first EDA vendor to support IPC-2581, Zuken has introduced the format into its CR-5000 product line in response to requests from customers and with the view that an independent format is best suited to meet customer requirements.

The need for an independent format that covers the wide range of needs has been recognized for many years. This led to the recent formation of a consortium for supply-chain adoption of IPC-2581. The consortium's goal is "to accelerate the adoption of IPC-2581 as an open, neutrally maintained global standard to encourage innovation, improve efficiency and reduce costs".

In addition to standards that have been developed in the past, such as EDIF and Gerber, the other format now in use is ODB++ initially developed by Valor and now, following Mentor’s acquisition of the company, supported and maintained by Mentor. Although ODB++ is a worthy format, it is not a standard because it is owned and maintained by only one company, Mentor. The absence of a modern standard has, and it always happen, forced users to develop their own open standard where all parties to the issue can work together regardless of company affiliation.