Data management plans (DMPs) are documents in which researchers define the data to be created and describe their plans for managing and sharing this. The current manifestation of a DMP - a static document often created before a project begins - contributes to the perception that they are an annoying administrative exercise. There is growing recognition that the content held within DMPs could be put to far better use, and that by making DMPs more active and machine-actionable, they would derive more value for all stakeholders involved.