Referentiedocument

Referentiedocument, also known as a reference document, is a document that serves as a stable reference point within a project, standardization effort, or regulatory framework. It is designed to anchor definitions, terms, and assumptions so that different stakeholders interpret related material in a consistent way.

Typically, a referentiedocument includes a scope statement, definitions of key terms, mappings to external standards, and a change history. It may also specify governance ownership, responsible roles, and procedures for updating the document when requirements evolve.

Purpose and usage include enabling interoperability, supporting verification and audits, and providing a common baseline for decision making. In data management, it can function as a data dictionary or terminology guide; in policy work, it helps align terms and criteria across documents.

Lifecycle and management cover authorship by a designated owner or committee, formal review and approval, versioning, and storage in a controlled repository. Changes are documented in a change log and linked to affected standards or requirements to maintain traceability. It is typically used alongside requirements documents, specifications, and guidelines, and may be superseded by newer editions while preserving historical versions for reference.