Unique sets of data elements help distinguish one external output from
another. Keep in mind
that a DET is something that is dynamic.
(A DET is a unique user recognizable, non-recursive (non-repetitive)
field)
- Error Messages
- Confirmation Messages
- Calculated Values (derived data)
- Values on reports that are read from an internal logical file or
external interface file.
- Recursive values or fields (count only once)
- Generally, do not count report headings (literals) as data
elements unless they are dynamic.
That is, if the report headings are read from files that are maintained
they may be DETs also.
- System generated dates that are on the tops or reports or are
displayed are normally not
counted as DETs. If system generated dates is part of business information
of the external
output they should be counted as DETs. For example, the date an invoice
is printed or the
date a check is printed.