Data Model Objects › Partitioning Overview › Partitioning Classifying Values

Partitioning Classifying Values

Create an Entity Subtype first, then specify its properties.

An Entity Type or Entity Subtype can have multiple Partitionings if it has more than one classifying Attribute. For example, EMPLOYEE can be subdivided into EXEMPT EMPLOYEE and NONEXEMPT EMPLOYEE in one Partitioning, and into PERMANENT EMPLOYEE and TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE in another.

After specifying its properties, define an Entity Subtype's classifying value or the state of a Partitioning.

For example, if the Entity Type is EMPLOYEE and the classifying Attribute is Nationality, Foreign and Domestic can be classifying values of the Partitioning.

An Entity Subtype subdivides an Entity Type based on a narrower definition and additional Attributes and Relationships. It must have at least one Attribute and/or one Relationship not shared by others. Entity Type CUSTOMER may fall into two mutually exclusive groups: FOREIGN and DOMESTIC. All customers share a set of characteristics, but foreign and domestic customers have Attributes and/or Relationships beyond those commonly shared.