Technical Metadata vs. Business Metadata
How Users Interact with Each Type Within the System?
Why Does This Distinction Matter for Users?
Users within the platform interact with two types of information:
- Information that is automatically generated by the system
- Information that is manually added by users
Understanding the difference between these two types is essential for using the metadata repository correctly.
Technical Metadata: What Do You See?
When a data source is connected, the platform automatically displays technical metadata such as:
- Table names
- Fields or columns
- Relationships
- Data types
This information is not typically modified by business users, but it forms the technical foundation upon which the rest of the data knowledge is built.
Business Metadata: Where Is the User’s Role?
Within each data asset, there is a dedicated space where users can add:
- A clear definition
- The purpose of the data
- Governance or operational notes
This is where non-technical users play a key role.
Business metadata is what makes the data asset understandable and usable across the organization.
How Do Users Connect the Two Types?
The platform presents both types of metadata within the same page:
- The technical structure in one section
- The business meaning and context in another
This connection prevents misunderstandings and allows each group to view the data in a language they understand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some frequent mistakes that reduce the value of the metadata repository include:
- Leaving the business description empty
- Copying the technical name as the description
- Using inconsistent or undefined terminology
These issues weaken the overall value of the repository.
Knowledge Transition
Next, read:
How to Establish Clear Metadata Standards Within the Platform.