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Dataelements

A data element is the smallest unit of data that has a precise, well-defined meaning within a data environment. In data management and information systems, data elements serve as the building blocks for data descriptions and data models. Each data element is typically documented in a data dictionary or metadata repository and is associated with an identifier, a name, a human-readable description, and a set of technical attributes that define its use and interpretation.

Technical attributes commonly include data type (such as integer, decimal, string, date), length or precision, nullability,

Data elements are organized into domains or subject areas and are used across data models, databases, reports,

Within governance practices, data elements undergo a lifecycle that includes creation, review, approval, change management, and

default
value,
allowed
values
or
code
lists,
validation
rules,
and
units
of
measure.
Additional
metadata
may
cover
the
source
of
the
data,
lineage,
ownership,
stewardship,
security
classification,
sensitivity,
and
business
rules
governing
its
eligibility
for
reporting
or
analysis.
and
interfaces
to
promote
consistency
and
interoperability.
They
support
governance,
data
quality
initiatives,
data
integration,
and
regulatory
compliance
by
providing
a
shared
vocabulary
and
a
single
point
of
truth
for
a
fact
or
attribute.
retirement.
Versioning
and
change
tracking
help
maintain
historical
context,
while
metadata
standards
such
as
ISO/IEC
11179
guide
the
definition
and
naming
of
data
elements
in
many
organizations.