oneentity

oneentity is a term used in information management to describe the practice of consolidating multiple records that refer to the same real-world object into a single, canonical representation. In data governance and master data management, the goal of oneentity is to produce a trusted 'golden record' that can be used across systems, reports, and processes.

Key concepts associated with oneentity include identity resolution, survivorship rules for attribute values, and lineage tracking. Identity resolution identifies candidate matches across sources using deterministic and probabilistic techniques, then merges them under a single entity identifier. Survivorship rules govern which attributes survive when duplicates are merged, while lineage ensures that the origin and transformation history of each attribute are preserved.

The approach supports applications such as customer data platforms, supply chain management, healthcare records, and regulatory reporting, where a consistent, cross-system view of an object is essential. It often involves data quality controls, data modeling standards, and governance processes to maintain accuracy and privacy.

Implementation challenges include data quality gaps, schema heterogeneity, and potential privacy concerns when merging sensitive information. Effective oneentity programs require clear policies, stewards, and auditable change logs to ensure trust and compliance.