What is the best way to ensure you have high quality reference data?

Ensuring high-quality reference data is critical for maintaining data accuracy, consistency, and reliability across an organization. The best way to achieve this is through robust data governance and stewardship practices.

Government Sources:

While government sources can be reliable, they are not the only sources of high-quality reference data. Relying solely on them may limit the comprehensiveness of reference data.

Drop-Down Menus:

Drop-down menus can help prevent invalid data entry but do not address the overall quality and governance of reference data.

Data Governance and Stewardship:

Implementing data governance and stewardship ensures that reference data is managed according to defined policies, standards, and procedures.

Data governance involves establishing a framework for decision-making, accountability, and control over data management processes.

Data stewardship assigns responsibility for data quality, ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and fit for purpose.

Standard Reference Data (ISO):

Using standard reference data from organizations like ISO can enhance data quality, but it should be part of a broader governance strategy.

External Data Providers:

External data providers can offer high-quality reference data, but relying solely on them without proper governance can lead to inconsistencies and data quality issues.