Skip to content
English
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Linking Business Glossary: from theoretical definition to practical Implementation

From Theoretical Definition to Practical Implementation

The real value of a Business Glossary is not achieved simply by defining terms, but by linking them directly to the data they represent

This connection is what transforms business terms from theoretical definitions into operational tools within the data ecosystem

 

Why Should Business Terms Be Linked to Data Assets? 

Without this connection: 

  • Terms remain isolated 
  • They are rarely used in practice 
  • They do not effectively support governance or compliance 

With proper linkage: 

  • Each term has a clear data representation 
  • Impact and dependencies become easier to trace 
  • Report quality improves 

 

Prerequisites 

Before linking terms to data assets, ensure that: 

  • business term has been approved in the Business Glossary 
  • Relevant data assets are documented in the Data Catalog 
  • The user has the necessary permissions 

 

Step 1 — Select the Business Term 

  1. Navigate to the Business Glossary 
  1. Search for the required term 
  1. Open the term details page 

 

Step 2 — Navigate to the Linking Section (Related Assets) 

Within the term page: 

  1. Go to the Linked Assets tab 
  1. Select Add Data Asset 

 

Step 3 — Select the Appropriate Data Asset 

Search within the Data Catalog and select the appropriate: 

  • Table 
  • Report 
  • Dataset 

Ensure that the meaning aligns with the business term, not just the name. 

 

Step 4 — Save and Review the Link 

After linking: 

  • The data asset appears within the term page 
  • The term appears within the data asset page 
  • The relationship becomes visible to all users 

 

How Is This Link Used in Practice? 

This connection supports multiple use cases: 

  • When searching for a data asset, the associated business term appears 
  • When reviewing a business term, the related data assets are displayed 
  • During audits or governance reviews, usage can be easily traced 

 

Best Practices 

  • Do not link one term to multiple conflicting meanings 
  • Periodically review existing links 
  • Update the relationship whenever the data structure or definition changes 
  • Use linking to enhance clarity, not create unnecessary complexity 

 

Knowledge Transition 

Next step: 
Best Practices for Governing the Business Glossary Within Organizations.