🔑Global ID

NEW

Also known as: Global Unique Identifier, Enterprise Identifier

An enterprise-wide unique identifier linking the same real-world entity across multiple systems.

DESCRIPTION

A global ID is a stable enterprise key that unifies records representing the same entity across applications. It enables reconciliation, golden records, and consistent analytics and reporting. Global IDs can be generated as surrogate keys or derived from standardized identifiers, such as GS1 keys. They underpin entity resolution and cross-system mapping, preventing duplication and fragmentation. Good governance ensures uniqueness, immutability, and lifecycle management.

ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS

Wikipedia

A unique identifier (UID) is a numeric or alphanumeric string that is associated with a single entity.

Defines uniqueness concept underpinning global IDs.

Source

Wikipedia

A universally unique identifier (UUID) is a 128-bit label used for information in computer systems.

Describes a common technical mechanism for generating unique identifiers.

Source

IETF

This specification defines a Uniform Resource Name (URN) namespace for UUIDs, and describes an algorithm for generating UUIDs.

Provides standardized mechanism for UUID generation and naming.

Source

RELATED TERMS

Surrogate Key UUID Master Data Management Single Source of Truth Entity Resolution Cross-Reference Lists Reference Data Data Integration

COMPETING TERMS

Natural Key System-specific Identifier

KNOWLEDGE AREAS

Reference & Master Data Data Management Data Integration & Interoperability

TARGET AUDIENCE

Data Architect Data Modeler Data Engineer Data Steward BI Specialist

EXTERNAL SOURCES

• Wikipedia - Unique identifier
• IETF - UUID standard and generation
• GS1 - Global identification keys overview
• SAP - SAP MDG identifier management
• Oracle - Oracle MDM identity concepts

TOP QUESTIONS

Why use a Global ID instead of system-specific identifiers?

Global IDs unify records across systems, enabling accurate consolidation and analytics. System-specific identifiers cannot reliably link entities after integration.

Category: Relevancy

Is a UUID the same as a Global ID?

A UUID is a technical format for uniqueness. A Global ID is an enterprise key that may be a UUID, but also includes governance and cross-system linkage.

Category: Misunderstanding

How are Global IDs created?

They are generated as surrogate keys during mastering or derived from authoritative identifiers like GS1 keys. Robust deduplication ensures one ID per real-world entity.

Category: Requirements

What is the risk of poorly governed Global IDs?

Duplicate IDs or reused IDs break lineage and analytics. Misdirected communications and compliance errors can result.

Category: Risk

How do Global IDs support golden records?

They anchor the golden record by linking all contributing source records, enabling survivorship and consolidated views.

Category: Example

Can Global IDs change over time?

They should be immutable. If rekeying is necessary, robust mapping and impact analysis must preserve lineage relationships.

Category: Opinion

What’s a competing approach to Global IDs?

Relying on natural keys within each system. This complicates integration and increases matching errors across systems.

Category: Alternatives

Where to start implementing Global IDs?

Select a priority domain, formalize entity definitions, establish match rules, and introduce a central registry with stewardship processes.

Category: Requirements

How do Global IDs aid compliance reporting?

They ensure consistent entity counts and histories across regulatory submissions, reducing discrepancies and audit findings.

Category: Example