What is the Data Dictionary?

The Data Dictionary is a collection of all available data elements that serve as the individual building blocks that are represented as data columns in Dataviews and Report Data Objects (RDOs). Each data element is a distinct object that is defined by the makeup of its attributes and metadata. It is designed to provide a single, specific piece of information that is used to evaluate a measurement about an activity, a set of employees, or the organization.

A user can choose from over a thousand of data elements, which are organized into groups called entities. The entities categorize the elements based upon related transactional areas. In order to provide users with a suggested set of data columns that can be sensibly combined to generate favorable results, column relationship rules have been established based on these entities and how they are associated to one another. Without the column relationship rules, users would have free rein to combine all available columns without any relationship driving their selection.

This is a comprehensive reference guide to the Data Dictionary that provides essential information about data element metadata and column relationship rules. In addition, it provides guidance for the use of the data element set as well and addresses frequently asked questions.