RMANumber

RMANumber is a numeric resource identifier used within the RMAN framework to uniquely tag assets, records, or entities. The RMANumber is designed to be stable across the resource lifecycle and to support reliable cross-referencing across systems, logs, and reports. It functions as a primary key in inventories and as an input key for APIs and analytics.

Format and generation: RMANumbers are positive integers that may be assigned sequentially or generated by a hash-based scheme from resource metadata. Some implementations apply a version or check digit to detect input errors. Organizations typically enforce a maximum length and forbid leading zeros to ensure uniform sorting and comparison. The assignment process ensures uniqueness within a given RMAN domain and may be centralized or delegated to sub-systems.

Scope and usage: RMANumbers are used for devices, services, datasets, contracts, or any tracked asset within the RMAN ecosystem. They are included in logs, billings, configuration files, and inventory reports, enabling deterministic lookups and auditability. Cross-system mapping tables may link RMANumbers to alternative identifiers such as UUIDs or human-readable names.

Lifecycle and integrity: RMANumbers are usually immutable; changes are recorded as a new version or a decommissioning event. Reuse policies vary by organization; many systems retain the original RMANumber for historical reference even after asset retirement. Validation rules and check digits help detect typos during manual entry.

See also: Resource identifier, Unique identifier, Check digit, Inventory management, Data governance.