Definition
Classification is the assignment of one or more descriptive categories to an Object. Classification enables Objects to be grouped, filtered, governed, and managed according to organizational requirements. Classification supplements an Object without altering its identity or business meaning.
Purpose
This document defines Classification within the OCOM Specification.
Classification provides a standardized mechanism for organizing, categorizing, and labeling Objects to support governance, discovery, interoperability, and operational management.
Business meaning
Classification allows organizations to organize Objects consistently across business domains and operational environments.
It improves discoverability, governance, reporting, access control, automation, and decision-making.
Design principles
Every Classification shall:
- be independent of Object Identity
- support multiple classifications
- be extensible
- support governance
- preserve consistency
- remain technology independent
Core characteristics
- Identifier
- Classification Name
- Classification Type
- Description
- Parent Classification
- Classification Rules
- Validity Period
- Status
Relationship to other specifications
Classification interacts with:
Classification organizes Objects but does not define operational behavior.
Independence — does not prescribe
- taxonomy models
- ontology languages
- directory structures
- implementation technologies
Conformance
A compliant implementation shall ensure that every managed Classification:
- support multiple Classifications
- preserve Object Identity
- support governance
- maintain classification history
- remain technology independent
Provenance
Governance records: —
| Version | Date | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 20 July 2026 | Initial draft |