# AUTHORED_ARCHETYPE.build_uid optional or mandatory?

**Category:** [ADL](https://discourse.openehr.org/c/adl/40)
**Created:** 2023-09-21 15:51 UTC
**Views:** 446
**Replies:** 3
**URL:** https://discourse.openehr.org/t/authored-archetype-build-uid-optional-or-mandatory/4479

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## Post #1 by @thomas.beale

I've just noticed that the [AOM2 spec text](https://specifications.openehr.org/releases/AM/latest/AOM2.html#_machine_identifiers) says that build_uid is optional but the model says it is mandatory. I would have expected optional, since build_uid is for controlled tools (that could generate UUIDs), but maybe we should always have them. ANyway, the spec text and formal spec are in conflict...

@sebastian.garde , @pieterbos , @borut.fabjan and a few others may have opinions about this.

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## Post #2 by @sebastian.garde

The problem is keeping it uptodate in uncontrolled environments. I don’t have a strong opinion, but leaning towards optional: Better to have no build uid than one that is not updated…

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## Post #3 by @MattijsK

We are currently running into this, but we are also leaning towards optional. Is it possible to make a decision on which of the two it will be? I’d suggest we quickly discuss this in the next SEC meeting and also update [the relevant Jira issue](https://openehr.atlassian.net/browse/SPECPR-366). @sebastian.iancu

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## Post #4 by @ian.mcnicoll

Optional for me

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**Canonical:** https://discourse.openehr.org/t/authored-archetype-build-uid-optional-or-mandatory/4479
**Original content:** https://discourse.openehr.org/t/authored-archetype-build-uid-optional-or-mandatory/4479