Data governance - Concept
Reference data
Standard lists of values used repeatedly to keep data consistent, such as countries or statuses
What's it for?
Keeps common lists and codes consistent so different systems and reports use the same labels.
For example…
Every system uses the same list of order statuses
A company uses the same agreed country codes, such as GB, FR and DE, in its sales, finance and reporting systems so they all describe countries the same way
Think of it like…
Company style guide for drop-down options, so nobody invents new labels for the same idea