4.14 String Handling

Columns that capture string values conforming to specified requirements foster data integrity, interoperability, and consistency; improve data analysis and reporting; and support reliable data-driven decision-making.

Column conforming to StringHandling attribute MUST adhere to the following requirements:

• FOCUS dataset column MUST preserve the original casing of string values.
• FOCUS dataset column MUST preserve the original spacing of string values.
• FOCUS dataset column MUST preserve other relevant consistency factors as specified by the data generator or end-user.
• FOCUS dataset column MUST remain consistent across all billing periods when the FOCUS dataset column contains immutable string values (e.g., resource identifier, region identifier).
• When FOCUS dataset column contains mutable string values (e.g., resource name, region name), it MUST adhere to the following requirements:
  • FOCUS dataset column MUST reflect the altered value in all records pertaining to a period after the change.
  • FOCUS dataset column MUST reflect the string value as it existed prior to the change in all records pertaining to a period prior to the change when the record does not represent a correction to a previously closed billing period.
  • FOCUS dataset column MAY reflect the altered value in records pertaining to a period prior to the change when the record represents a correction to a previously closed billing period.
• When FOCUS dataset column contains not-nullable string values, it MUST adhere to the following requirements:
  • FOCUS dataset column SHOULD NOT contain empty strings.
  • FOCUS dataset column SHOULD NOT contain strings consisting solely of whitespace characters.

Requirements for string-capturing columns appearing in a FOCUS dataset.