The first step in constructing an encodings file is to define a set of labels to be implemented in the CMW. Defining the labels involves:
Determining the long and short names of the classifications and words that comprise information labels, sensitivity labels, and clearances;
Determining a set of rules for combinations of classifications and words;
Determining the minimum classification, handling channels, and any other information associated with compartments and markings that must appear on printer banner pages;
Determining the minimum sensitivity level and clearance specifiable on the system; and
Determining the user accreditation range: the set of sensitivity levels that can be used by normal system users.
Then, constructing the encodings for this set of labels involves:
Determining the internal integer representation of classifications;
Determining the internal compartment bit string representations of sensitivity label and clearance words; and
Determining the internal compartment and/or marking bit string representations of information label words.
The rules for combinations of classifications and words are used to:
Determine what combinations of classification and words constitute well formed labels and
Determine how the system should adjudicate the combination of two information labels.
These determinations influence the selection of the integer and bit string internal representations.
The most important and complicated aspects of constructing the encodings are the rules for well formedness and adjudication, each of which is discussed in more detail below.