Definition
A Data Source is a place, system, device or process from which data used for further processing or analysis originate.
Human Explanation
A Data Source may be a database, an ERP system, a sensor, a spreadsheet or any other system that generates data.
Why it Matters
Knowing the source of data helps assess their reliability, timeliness and method of collection.
Conceptual Boundary
A Data Source is not a Dataset. It identifies where the data originate.
Practical Perspective
Identifying every Data Source used is one of the fundamental steps in an analysis.