Data Quality Dimensions, Definitions and Data Concepts

In 2020, the Data Quality working group of the Data Management Association in the Netherlands (DAMA NL), carried out an extensive research into definitions of dimensions of data quality. It collected definitions from various sources and compared these with each other. The working group also evaluated the definitions against criteria derived from a standard for concepts and definitions: ISO 704.

In the data ecosystem, all dimensions were linked to a 'data concept' such as a data file, an attribute, a record or a data value. This simplified distinguishing between, for example, the completeness of records and the completeness of data values. These data concepts were also provided with standardized definitions. This research led to a list of 60 dimensions of data quality and 20 data concepts with standardized definitions. From this list, 12 common dimensions were selected.

Hovering the mouse over a coloured cell in the grid shown on the right, will reveal the Data Quality Dimension, its Definition and Data Concept.

Light coloured cells represent the general combination of Data Quality Dimensions and Data Concepts. The 12 dark coloured cells represent the combination of Data Quality Dimensions and Data Concepts most commonly used.

The number of Data Quality Dimensions used by organisations may vary by organisation and is typically anywhere between 5 and 20.

Sources

  • Website DAMA NL Working Group for Data Quality
  • Dictionary of dimensions of data quality (3DQ)


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