PAC-CAT

PAC-CAT builds on PAC-ID by adding more meaning and structure:

  • Defines categories (e.g. device, substance, result) so it’s clear what the ID refers to.

  • Lists the expected details for each category (e.g. model number, batch, serial number).

  • Makes IDs easier to understand, shorter to write, and more reliable across systems.

Examples

PAC-CAT can get quite technical, so here we’ll just share a few simple examples to illustrate how it works — and for anyone who wants the full details, the specification is the place to go.

Materials

Devices
A uniquely identifiable physical item (not dividable).

HTTPS://PAC.METTORIUS.COM/-MD/240:BAL500/21:210263

Substances
A source material, sample, or product, which can be divided or aliquoted.

  HTTPS://PAC.METTORIUS.COM/-MS/BAL-CLEAN/56985*75XMN0ZRFI421A
Consumables

Bulk goods with limited lifespan, typically countable.

  HTTPS://PAC.METTORIUS.COM/-MC/976534/X6766M*3OLSTPM4M876ZQI0IMVN8Y

Data

Result

HTTPS://PAC.METTORIUS.COM/-DR/550e8400/-MD/T-801/895467

Method
Definition of a process or workflow.

HTTPS://PAC.METTORIUS.COM/-DM/21:METH678

Calibration

Configuration data used as a baseline for methods.

HTTPS://PAC.METTORIUS.COM/-DC/21:CALIB2024

Progress
Time-limited data from a process in execution.

HTTPS://PAC.METTORIUS.COM/-DP/21:78976
Static

Metadata or universally true information.

HTTPS://PAC.METTORIUS.COM/-DS/21:DENSITY_H2O

Technical Specification

For the specification and technical details, refer to GitHub.