Reference data

Reference data is data used to classify or categorize other data. 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" or "lookup" data.

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. 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.