APPENDIX C: ISSUES AND EXAMPLES CONCERNING THE NAMING
RULES
The next several pages provide examples and issues pertinent to the data element naming
rules defined in Section III. The examples are actual data elements found in CG data inventories.
In each example, the Prime Word, Class Word and any Modifiers are identified. Actual examples
are presented to focus attention on current, existing problems.
Rule 1: Data element names shall be derived from the data element's definition. Where
possible, develop the definition using clear, simple sentences. The data element name must reflect
the contents of the definition. Definitions must be clear, complete and comprehensible by CG
personnel.
Comment: Definitions shall not be derived from data element names. A data element name
can be identified more accurately after its definition is developed. By restricting definitions to
clear, simple sentences, those developing data elements are encouraged to define them in a
cohesive manner.
Example 1: ORIGINATOR
Definition: Any combination of characters which is the unique identifier of the
originator of a message.
Reconstructed DE: MESSAGE ORIGINATOR IDENTIFIER
15
Previous Page
