Have been using this concept for almost 10 years. There is an added benefit we have noted in that when we allow a view of the combined code table, we have in play, that we can attempt standardization of codes across systems.

We are about to scope a step where we lift the combined code table out of the parent system and place it in a database by itself, with an associated simple input/update utility. There are issues we face such as the cascade of modifications but those can be overcome with a little patience and work.

Also we share a certain amount of data between various governmental groups. We are looking into an export device that will create an XML version of this data and make it available to those that are interested. With this in place we will be able to refer those who use our data to this one structure and one standard instead of multiples of each. So we have determined that not only is the concept a compact model for the use of data in a system but also a very tight model for deployment and distribution.

The article was great.