DokumentID

DokumentID is a unique identifier assigned to a document within a repository, content management system, or workflow environment. It serves as a stable reference that enables precise retrieval, linking, and management of documents across applications, users, and points in time. In practice, the dokumentID acts as a primary key for the document’s record and is often used in metadata, APIs, and user interfaces to locate the document without ambiguity.

Typical characteristics include uniqueness, immutability, and persistence. A good dokumentID remains the same even as the document’s content or location changes, and it may be issued by a central authority within an organization or by a standard mechanism such as a UUID, DOI, or a structured internal code. Some systems use a composite key that combines the dokumentID with a version identifier to distinguish different revisions of the same document.

Formats vary by system. Internal IDs may be numeric or alphanumeric, while externally visible identifiers might conform to established schemes like DOIs or URNs. The dokumentID is commonly stored as part of the document’s metadata and may appear in URLs or API calls to retrieve the document. It can also be used in audit trails, workflows, and access control to track ownership, history, and permissions.

Best practices emphasize ensuring uniqueness, avoiding reveal of sensitive structure in publicly exposed IDs, and separating identity from content. Proper governance includes documenting ID schemes, handling versioning, and designing for interoperability with other systems and standards.