A source field stores weight in pounds, while the target system requires kilograms.

The integration specification requires a documented transformation rule defining how pounds are converted to kilograms.

Source-to-target mappings should identify source attributes, target attributes, transformation logic, units, datatypes, validation expectations, and handling of exceptions. Without this metadata, different interfaces could apply different conversion factors or rounding rules and create inconsistent downstream values.

The rule should specify the approved conversion factor, precision, rounding method, treatment of nulls, and any acceptable source ranges. Testing should confirm that the transformed values remain within defined quality thresholds.

This illustrates the relationship between Data Integration, Metadata Management, and Data Quality that DAMA's current Chapter 13 revision makes more explicit.

The source value may be completely accurate in pounds while the target value becomes inaccurate through faulty transformation. Therefore, quality responsibility extends beyond original data capture.

Lineage should retain both the source and transformation information so downstream analysts can understand how the kilogram value was derived.

Reference Topics: DAMA-DMBOK2 — Data Integration and Interoperability; Source-to-Target Mapping; Transformation; Metadata Lineage; Accuracy.

===============