Enclosure (1) to COMDTINST 5230.42A
2.4 Construction/Reconstruction of Data Element Names:
The rules provided in this document shall be applied to construction of data element names for new
data requirements. However, in some cases the rules may also be applied to reconstruction of
names for existing data elements. When information sharing capability and compatibility are
required, data element names must adhere to the same principles and structural rules; otherwise
common data elements cannot be identified and associated. In this case, the established rules must
be applied to rename existing data elements. However, the integrity and comprehension of the
names must be maintained. In addition, reconstructed names from existing data elements can serve
as a baseline for the development of data elements for new systems.
2.5 Enforceability: Automated edit/validity checks will help enforce data naming standards. As
new data element definitions are added to the CG DADS, they must be edited for conformity to
standards. Each data element name shall be subjected to a series of automated tests. These tests
shall include:
o
Absence of Class Word
o
Absence of Prime Word
o
Minimum Number of Words (2)
o
Maximum Number of Words (9)
Tables of Prime Words and Class Words shall be centrally controlled by the Data
Administration staff, G-SIA and made available in edit tables as a part of the automated tools for
construction/reconstruction of data element names. As new standard words are approved, edit
tables shall be updated.
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