Reference data

Reference data is data used to classify or categorize other data.^[1] Typically, they are static or slowly changing over time.

Examples of reference data include:

• Units of measurement
• Country codes
• Corporate codes
• Fixed conversion rates e.g., weight, temperature, and length
• Calendar structure and constraints

Reference data sets are sometimes alternatively referred to as a "controlled vocabulary"^[2] or "lookup" data.^[3]

Reference data differs from master data. While both provide context for business transactions, reference data is concerned with classification and categorisation, while master data is concerned with business entities.^[4] A further difference between reference data and master data is that a change to the reference data values may require an associated change in business process to support the change, while a change in master data will always be managed as part of existing business processes. For example, adding a new customer or sales product is part of the standard business process. However, adding a new product classification (e.g. "restricted sales item") or a new customer type (e.g. "gold level customer") will result in a modification to the business processes to manage those items.