SDC:R0031

R0031: An SDC SERVICE PROVIDER SHALL utilize msg:DescriptionModificationReport with@ModificationType="Upt" to indicate modifications where the SDC SERVICE PROVIDER has determined that the change can negatively influence the utilization of the CONTAINMENT TREE ENTRY by an SDC SERVICE CONSUMER.

• R0031 addresses "breaking changes" such as updating thepm:AbstractMetricDescriptor/@SafetyClassification. Modifications are considered “breaking changes” if they cannegatively influence the utilization of the CONTAINMENT TREE entry, i.e., if an SDC SERVICE CONSUMER can misinterpret old states by applying the updated descriptor to previously captured values. For example, if the safety classification changes to a MEDICAL SAFETY CLASSIFICATION and the SDC SERVICE CONSUMER applies this change to previous state versions that have not had a MEDICAL SAFETY CLASSIFICATION, it could falsely display these as suited for medical purposes, e.g., in trend views.
• In case an SDC SERVICE PROVIDER cannot determine if a modification can negatively influence the utilization of the CONTAINMENT TREE entry, it is reasonable to assume that it is a breaking change and therefore R0031 applies to these modifications.

From chapter 7. SDC Participant Model Binding