A document is an identified object to which data is recorded and preserved in a classified and structured way to convey meaning within context. The data can be preserved in character, graphical, analogue or digital format, or combinations thereof, in any media such as paper, magnetic devices, solid state devices, cards, microfilm, optical devices, etc.

The preserved data is used interchangeable with the terms information, or document content, or record.

The document object is identified for the purpose of controlling the promulgation of the object to man or machine, where the embedded collective data is applied in the process of interpretation.

The document object is represented in AssetWise by the document master record.

A document object may exist with or without reference to the document source, i.e. the complete document and its content may be represented by metadata.

See also CONFIGURATION, DATA, FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS, ITEM, OBJECT, OBJECT IDENTIFICATION, PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, OBJECT DATA, and REVISION.