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Work with Published Reference Data

Once published, reference data tables created in the Reference Data module become available throughout the platform via Catalog. This integration creates a centralized source of truth for your reference data assets.

Before you begin

This guide assumes you have basic working knowledge of Catalog.

Reference data tables in Reference Data:

Reference data tables in Reference Data module

Published reference data in Catalog:

Reference data published to Catalog

How reference data appears in Catalog

Published reference data automatically appears in Catalog under "Published Reference Data" (or at Catalog > Data Catalog > Published Reference Data).

Each reference data table becomes a Catalog item that includes:

  • An Overview tab with basic information

  • A link back to its source in Reference Data

  • Metadata for discovery through Global Search

  • Integration points for rules and transformations

To publish reference data and make it available in Catalog, see Publish Changes.

Find reference data in Catalog

There are several ways to discover reference data in Catalog:

Browse by category
  1. Go to Catalog > Data Catalog > Published Reference Data.

  2. All published reference data tables are automatically listed here.

Use global search
  1. Use the search bar to find reference data alongside other data assets.

  2. Reference data appears with clear labeling and descriptions.

Search within rules
  1. When creating data quality rules, you can search for and select reference data tables directly.

To access the original reference data table for editing, select the link in the Overview tab or go to Manage data > Reference Data.

Use reference data for data validation

One of the primary benefits of having reference data in Catalog is using it to validate other data sources.

Available validation rules

There are two key rules conditions that leverage your reference data:

  • is from Reference Data Catalog Item: Validates that values exist in the reference data table.

  • is not from Reference Data Catalog Item: Validates that values do not exist in the reference data table.

Use reference data in data transformations

Reference data tables can be used in data transformation plans just like any other Catalog item.

Common transformation patterns

Data enrichment
  1. Use the Catalog item input step to access reference data.

  2. Join reference data with your source data to add descriptive information.

  3. Output enriched data to your target systems.

Data standardization
  1. Access mapping tables that translate between different system codes.

  2. Transform source values to standardized master values.

  3. Ensure consistency across multiple data sources.

External distribution
  1. Access reference data for automated distribution.

  2. Transform and format for specific target systems.

  3. Use the Database Output step to make reference data available outside the platform.

Example: Product code standardization

You have product codes from three systems that need to be standardized: - ERP system uses format: PROD_001 - CRM system uses format: P-001 - Reporting system uses format: PR001

Create a transformation that: 1. Inputs your product mapping reference table 2. Joins source data with the mapping table 3. Outputs data with standardized product codes

Next steps

Now that you understand how reference data works in Catalog:

  • Create validation rules: Use your reference data to validate other datasets in your organization.

  • Set up monitoring: Data Quality Integration - Monitor how well your data matches reference standards.

  • Optimize governance: Best Practices - Learn general best practices for managing reference data at scale.

  • Troubleshoot issues: Troubleshooting - Resolve common problems with reference data usage.

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