Back to Glossary

Data category

Master Data

Core data describing the principal entities shared across an organisation's systems and processes.

Related domain: Data AnalyticsConcept ID: concept-master-data

Definition

Master Data are core data describing the most important entities within an organisation and shared across multiple systems and processes.

Human Explanation

They include essential data about customers, products, suppliers or employees that should remain unambiguous and consistent throughout the organisation.

Why it Matters

Consistent Master Data reduce errors and allow different systems to work together correctly.

Conceptual Boundary

Master Data do not include transactional or temporary data. They describe relatively stable entities relevant to the organisation's operations.

Practical Perspective

Maintaining one trusted version of Master Data is one of the most important objectives of Data Governance.

Related Concepts