# Key Generation

Key generation is performed for tables that have sequential or system generated prime key. This is performed automatically for Java instances via the OUAF enTegrity.

Tables with a system-generated key contain their own unique key that is replicated in a related 'key table' suffixed with '_K'. The purpose of the key table is to store the table identifier. Note that for historic purposes, the key table included an environment identifier. This functionality is no longer used.

These key tables support using Information Lifecycle Management to archive records. The key table remains ensuring that new records do not use the archived key. This allows for the system to cater for foreign key references to the archived key. If the record is found in the key table, but not in the corresponding primary table, users are informed that the record is no longer available.

- Metadata for Key Generation

Parent topic: Developer Guide