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Also known as: Single Source of Truth Principle, System of Record Principle
Designates an authoritative source for each data element to prevent conflicts and duplication across systems.
DESCRIPTION
The Authority Principle ensures every critical data element has a single authoritative source. It reduces reconciliation, prevents conflicting truths, and streamlines integration. Systems of record and golden records implement this principle. Replication and caching propagate authoritative values with lineage and freshness indicators. Exceptions are documented with clear precedence rules. This principle underpins reliable analytics and compliant operations.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
Wikipedia
In information systems, a system of record (SOR) is an information storage system that is the authoritative data source for a given data element or piece of information.
Defines the core mechanism to implement authoritative sources.
Wikipedia
A single source of truth (SSOT) is the practice of structuring information models and associated data schema such that every data element is mastered in only one place.
Emphasizes mastering data in one place to avoid duplication.
RELATED TERMS
Single Version of the Truth System of Record Master Data Management Reference Data Lineage Single Source of Truth Data Replication Data Integration Data Discovery Platform Data Virtualization
COMPETING TERMS
Multi-master Replication Eventual Consistency
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Data Architecture Data Management Data Governance Reference & Master Data
TARGET AUDIENCE
Data Architect Data Steward Data Governance Manager Data Engineer Chief Data Officer
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - System of record
- Salesforce - Guidance on systems of record
- IBM - Golden record concept overview
TOP QUESTIONS
What is the Authority Principle in data?
It establishes a single authoritative source for each data element to avoid conflicting versions.
Category: Definition
Why is the Authority Principle important?
It reduces reconciliation effort, improves trust, and simplifies integration and reporting.
Category: Relevancy
How is the Authority Principle implemented?
Identify systems of record, define golden records, and document precedence and replication policies.
Category: HowTo
What’s a competing approach to authority?
Multi-master replication and eventual consistency allow multiple writable sources, requiring conflict resolution.
Category: Alternatives
How do catalogs help the Authority Principle?
They publish authoritative sources and lineage so consumers can find trusted data.
Category: Tooling
What risks exist without clear authority?
Inconsistent reports, failed audits, and integration defects become common.
Category: Risks
Who decides the system of record?
Data owners, architects, and governance bodies decide, balancing quality, latency, and regulatory needs.
Category: Responsibility
How is authority maintained over time?
Change control, lineage updates, and periodic reviews keep authority current.
Category: Process
What metrics evidence authority working?
Fewer reconciliation tasks, fewer conflicting KPIs, and faster integration projects.
Category: Measurement