What is EN ISO 11379-2:2014?

EN ISO 11379-2:2014, also known as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for "Data element types" is a technical specification that provides guidelines for the classification and definition of data elements. It is one part of a larger series of standards developed by ISO to ensure interoperability and data quality in information systems.

The Purpose and Scope

The purpose of EN ISO 11379-2:2014 is to establish standardized methods for defining and representing data elements. This includes specifying their names, definitions, and associated attributes. By doing so, this standard helps facilitate effective communication and data exchange between different systems and organizations.

The scope of the standard covers various aspects of data elements such as their identification, naming, definition, and representation. It also addresses the relationships between data elements and their hierarchical structure within a system or database.

Main Components

EN ISO 11379-2:2014 consists of several main components that serve different purposes:

1. Classification: The standard provides a framework for organizing data elements into categories and subcategories based on their characteristics and intended use. This helps users navigate and locate specific data elements more efficiently.

2. Data Element Concept: Each data element is defined by a data element concept, which includes its name, definition, and relevant semantic information. The standard provides guidelines for constructing these concepts and ensuring consistency across different systems.

3. Value Domains: A value domain defines the permissible values that a data element can take. It specifies the data type, format, and allowable constraints. This ensures data integrity and consistency when exchanging information between systems.

4. Data Element Representation: EN ISO 11379-2:2014 defines guidelines for representing data elements through code systems, including relationships and attributes. This helps standardize the way data is stored and interpreted across diverse systems.

Benefits and Applications

The adoption of EN ISO 11379-2:2014 brings several benefits to organizations and information systems:

Data Interoperability: By using a common standard for defining and classifying data elements, organizations can achieve interoperability between their systems. This facilitates seamless data exchange, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

Data Quality: The standard promotes the use of consistent and accurate metadata, leading to improved data quality and reliability. It helps prevent data ambiguity or misunderstanding, allowing users to make informed decisions based on reliable information.

System Integration: EN ISO 11379-2:2014 enables different systems to integrate more easily by providing a common framework for data element definitions. This reduces the complexity of data integration projects and allows organizations to leverage existing resources effectively.

Overall, EN ISO 11379-2:2014 plays a crucial role in improving data management practices and facilitating efficient data exchange in various sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government. Its adoption ensures consistency, accuracy, and interoperability, which are essential for successful information systems.