Glossary · Semantic interoperability and information models
Identifier
Also known as: ID
German: Identifikator
In information management, an identifier is a name, number or code that unambiguously designates an object, such as a product, asset, document, data element or concept, within a defined scope, so that it can be referenced, found and distinguished from other objects.
- Information models
In one sentence
An identifier is a name, number or code that unambiguously designates an object, such as a product, asset or concept, within a defined scope.
Example
In the plant, pump P-4711 has an equipment tag, a serial number from its manufacturer and a GUID in the asset management system, each unique in its own scope.
How it applies
- Engineering: Define the scope and rules of each identifier: who assigns it, whether it is unique globally or only locally, and whether it may be reused. Plant tag numbers, serial numbers and system IDs often coexist.
- Integration: Integration depends on mapping identifiers between systems. Stable, globally unique identifiers reduce the effort considerably.
- Documentation: Documents, topics and products need identifiers that survive renaming and restructuring. Reference identifiers in links and metadata rather than titles.
Identifier vs. name
A name is meant for people and may change or be ambiguous. An identifier is meant to designate one object unambiguously within its scope and should remain stable. Meaningful identifiers such as tag numbers are convenient but can become misleading when the object is moved or changed.