The Difference Between Business Terms and Technical Terms in Data Governance
Business Glossary helps you distinguish between business terms and technical terms.
In every organization, two languages operate in parallel:
- The language of business
- The language of technology
Problems begin when these two languages are not properly connected.
What Are Business Terms?
Business terms refer to concepts that represent:
- Metrics and KPIs
- Business processes
- Organizational concepts
- Strategic objectives
They are commonly used in reports and decision-making.
What Are Technical Terms?
Technical terms refer to elements related to:
- Table names
- Fields or columns
- Systems
- Technical architecture
- Data pipelines or data flows
They are primarily used in system operations and technical integration.
Where Does the Breakdown Occur?
Problems arise when:
- Business terms are used without a technical linkage to actual data
- Systems are built without a clear business context
- It is assumed that everyone interprets different terms in the same way
Why Must They Be Separated and Connected at the Same Time?
- Separation preserves clarity for each language
- Connection ensures alignment and integration
The absence of either inevitably leads to misunderstanding and data inconsistency.
How Does Governata Address This Challenge?
Governata resolves this challenge by:
- Defining terms from a business perspective
- Linking them to technical data assets
- Displaying them within the Data Catalog
- Using them as a reference point across the platform
Next step:
Learn how to create a business term in the Business Glossary and link it to data assets.