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Element Codes

A Code is a human-readable string identifier of the real-world entity that an Element represents.

A Code conveys information to people and programs that understand the structure of the string and are therefore able to decode it.

Different domains and organizations have different ways of encoding business information into the Code, which they can express as Code Specifications.

CodeValue Property

Each Element has a (nullable) CodeValue string property that holds its Code.

When present, a CodeValue should be a human-understandable string.

Examples uses for Code

  • Asset Tracking Number
  • Tag Number
  • Serial Number
  • VIN Number
  • Social Security Number
  • Document Tracking Number
  • Contract Number
  • Project Number
  • RFID
  • Door Number
  • Room Number
  • Etc.

When the identified entity is physical in nature, it will often have its code physically affixed to it (as in the VIN Number on a car or the Manufacturer’s Serial Number on an instrument). When the identified entity is non-physical, it may have its code semi-permanently attached to a related physical entity. For example, a physical valve will have its serial number permanently affixed to it. The "Tag Number" of the "function" that the valve is performing in the process is stamped onto a "Tag" attached to the valve with a wire. If the valve is replaced with a new one (with a new serial number) the Tag holding function's "Tag Number" will be moved to the new valve.

Example misuses of Code

  • A Guid is not human-understandable and does not encode business meaning, so should not be used as a CodeValue--FederationGuid fulfills that purpose.
  • A Hash should not be used as a CodeValue for the same reasons as above.
  • A CodeValue that is hundreds of characters long would also be very difficult for a human to understand, so should be avoided. In fact, a code management service may enforce a hard limit on the length of the CodeValue. For example, iModelHub currently has a hard limit of 350 characters.

CodeSpec

A CodeSpec (aka Code Specification) names and specifies a new classification for Codes. A CodeSpec also captures the rules for encoding and decoding significant business information into and from a Code. For example, the Codes for ViewDefinitions and the Codes for Equipment have different encoding rules and uniqueness constraints, so would each have a separate CodeSpec.

Typically, a CodeSpec has a strong correlation with a branch of the Element class hierarchy and is often named after an abstract base class that defines the starting point of that branch. It is common for all subclasses (direct or indirect) descending from that base class to share the same CodeSpec.

For example, the standard CodeSpec called "bis:ViewDefinition" helps ensure unique names for all subclasses of the BisCore:ViewDefinition Element class.

Configuration can define the association between Element class and CodeSpec so that a shared service (e.g. 'Identification Code Service') can be used to generate and validate Codes.

The CodeSpec can also dictate that Codes for instances of the Element class should be null. This is appropriate when the modeled real-world entities don’t have a meaningful real-world identifier (e.g. a piece of baseboard, a pile of dirt, an average bolt).

Note: To ensure unique CodeSpec names, a namespace (often the alias of a schema) should be used as demonstrated with the standard "bis:ViewDefinition" CodeSpec.

CodeSpec Property

Each Element has a CodeSpec navigation property relating it to a CodeSpec that governs its Code. A single BIS Repository (e.g. an iModel) is expected to use many Code Specifications--different classes of Elements can have different coding conventions.

CodeScope Property

Each Element has a CodeScope navigation property that points to another Element that provides the uniqueness scope for its Code. The 'scoping' Element can represent the repository as a whole, a model, an assembly, etc.

The CodeSpec specifies the types of elements that can be used as a CodeScope. The most common types are:

  • Repository - CodeValues are unique across an entire repository.
  • Model - CodeValues are unique within a Model.
  • ParentElement - CodeValues are unique among children with the same parent.
  • RelatedElement - CodeValues are unique across the set related to the same element.

For example, a Floor Code (like "1" or "2") must be unique within a Building, but is not unique across Buildings. In this example, the Building instance is providing the CodeScope for the Floor.

Note: The 'scoping' Element could also represent some entity with a scope that is greater than the current BIS Repository. In this case, uniqueness within that scope can only be enforced by an external 'Identification Code Service'.

Uniqueness within a BIS Repository

For a given Element, the combination of it CodeSpec, CodeScope, and CodeValue properties must be unique within the BIS repository. All null values are considered to be unique.

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Last Updated: 30 November, 2023