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Subject: Code vs. Identifier representation types?
Hello, I'm looking for some guidance in distinguishing Code and Identifier representation types. Part of my confusion is that UBL and TBG-17 don't agree on a very common example (based on most recent online versions): Country. Identification. Identifier - TBG-17 Country. Identification. Code - UBL Given UBL definitions from http://docs.oasis-open.org/ubl/cd-UBL-1.0/xsd/common/UBL-CoreComponentTypes-1.0.xsd : Code: "A character string (letters, figures, or symbols) that for brevity and/or language independence may be used to represent or replace a definitive value or text of an attribute together with relevant supplementary information." Identifier: "A character string to identify and distinguish uniquely, one instance of an object in an identification scheme from all other objects in the same scheme together with relevant supplementary information." On a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) project, we are applying this to numerous data elements. For example, (a) A code identifying party receiving transmission; codes agreed to by trading partners. Originally called Application Rcvrs Code (TXN06). We have given this the BIE of Receiving_ Party. Identification. Identifier because it uniquely distinguishes one party from all others. (b) When considering the type of Indefinite Delivery Vehicle (IDV) contract, there is a finite set of possible "brief" symbolic values that can readily be enumerated. Therefore, the assigned BIE is Contract. Indefinite Delivery Contract_ Type. Code. (c) The FIPS Pub. 95 code for the agency of the contracting office that executed or is otherwise responsible for the transaction was assigned the BIE of Contracting_ Organization. Agency_ Identification. Identifier because it uniquely distinguishes one agency from all others. (d) Similarly, the US govt uses lots of "codes" such as NAICS codes (North American Industry Classification System codes designate major sectors of the economies of Mexico, Canada, and the United States) and PSC codes (Product and Service Code). Since they "distinguish uniquely, one instance of an object in an identification scheme from all other objects in the same scheme", they should be Identifiers, right? (e) Note that calling (c) and (d) Identifiers goes against the commonly used terms (FIPS codes, NAICS codes, PSC codes). Basically, UBL reserves the term "code" strictly for symbolic shorthand elements, right? (f) DUNS and SSN (social security numbers) should be Identifiers. (g) Country codes and state codes should be Codes. Does anyone disagree with any of the above representation types? Thanks in advance. Kenneth Sall SiloSmashers XML Specialist GSA IAE Program Management Office U.S. General Services Administration 1 Crystal Park, Mail Stop IAA 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 911 Arlington, VA 22202 Phone: 703.872.8589 Cell: 301-672-3269 Fax: 703.872.8598 The President's Management Agenda: "Implementation of E-Government is important in making Government more responsive and cost-effective." http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/egov/ (Embedded image moved to file: pic20899.jpg)
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