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ISO/IEC 15476-6:2006 — CDIF Framework Part 6: Rules for Data Model Integration
A Technical Guide to Implementing Data Model Integration Rules in CASE Environments
Note: This article refers to the international standard ISO/IEC 15476-6:2006, also adopted as CAN/CSA-ISO/IEC 15476-6-06. It is part of the CDIF (CASE Data Interchange Format) framework.
Scope and Objectives of ISO/IEC 15476-6:2006
ISO/IEC 15476-6:2006 defines rules for data model integration within the CDIF framework. The CDIF framework is designed to facilitate the interchange of metadata and data models between CASE tools. Part 6 specifically addresses the integration of multiple data models into a consistent, unified model.
The primary objective is to provide a standardized approach to merging data models that may have been developed independently or using different methodologies. By adhering to these rules, organizations can ensure semantic consistency, reduce redundancies, and maintain data integrity across integrated systems.
The scope includes:
- Rules for combining entity and relationship definitions from multiple models.
- Guidelines for conflict detection and resolution (naming, type mismatches, etc.).
- Mapping rules for elements and associations.
- Integration of overall structure while preserving data integrity.
By standardizing integration rules, ISO/IEC 15476-6 reduces the effort required for merging models, improves interoperability between CASE tools, and ensures high data quality during the integration process.
Technical Requirements and Core Rules
The standard defines a set of integration rules categorised by the type of model element. These rules are mandatory for conformance and ensure that model integration is performed consistently.
Core Integration Rules
| Rule ID | Element Type | Description | Conformance Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-01 | Entity | Entity names must be unique within the integrated model. Renaming is allowed if conflicts arise, but must be documented. | Mandatory |
| R-02 | Attribute | Attributes belonging to the same entity across models must be mapped and harmonized in terms of type, length, and default value. | Mandatory |
| R-03 | Relationship | Relationships (associations) must be integrated by matching source and target entities. Multiplicity constraints must not be violated. | Mandatory |
| R-04 | Constraint | Integrity constraints (primary keys, foreign keys, check clauses) from source models must be preserved unless explicitly overridden. | Mandatory |
| R-05 | Domain | Value domains and enumerations must be integrated with mapping documentation of any equivalences. | Conditional |
| R-06 | Model | Submodel grouping must be maintained; model hierarchy must be preserved with clear ownership. | Mandatory |
Conflict Resolution
When integrating, naming conflicts may arise. The standard prescribes a conflict resolution process that includes default precedence rules and the ability to explicitly override using metadata.
Important: Conflict resolution must be intentional. Automatic merging without human review is not recommended and may lead to data loss or semantic errors. Always document the rationale for each resolution.
Implementation Highlights
Implementing ISO/IEC 15476-6:2006 in software tools or integration workflows requires careful design. Key implementation aspects include:
- Parsing CDIF transfer files: Tools must be able to