Data architecture - Technology
Semantic layer
A shared layer that gives business-friendly meanings to data so reports use the same definitions
What's it for?
Keeps business definitions consistent so the same number means the same thing in different reports.
For example…
Analysts drag “Active customers” from a shared list instead of writing conflicting filters each time
A semantic layer defines “net revenue” once so dashboards in finance, sales and operations all calculate the same number
Think of it like…
Menu that uses ordinary dish names while the kitchen works from technical recipes underneath