Unique identifier

[danIT]

I have to perform an extraction for a web based piece of software our group of school uses, we need each extraction to have a unique identifier which comes straight from the database.

The schools run both Sims.net and CMIS, the unique identifiers dont have to match each school each school is independant.

I have to extarct first name, surname, classes, year and tutro group along with a unique number/set of charecters for each teacher, can anyone think of anything or suggest anything. We tried DFES numbers and Payroll number but schools donw always have a complete set of this information.

Dan

[danIT]

like pupils have a UPN surely staff must have a UTN

[limbo]

When I had to do something similar I gave each school a three letter code and added it to the beginning of the userID - making it unique

Alternatively, if you need them to be traceable if they move from one school to another then can you pull out something constant like their name plus their DOB together as a string?

[kylewilliamson]

danit: a UTN would be the DfES Number. A unique person number (country wide) would be the NI number.

Although name + dob is a one option, im not sure thats a good idea either - you *could* in theory have two people with the same DOB.

The 3 letter coding would work - if you cant get hold of the NI Number or something.

Kyle