Logical Fields
Introduction
A Logical Field is an integral component within a Data Category, representing a specific attribute of data. It provides detailed metadata about the nature and characteristics of the data it represents. This metadata includes information such as data type, constraints, patterns, computational rules, and alternative names (aliases). Logical Fields contribute to the uniformity of data implementation across different organizational systems, guiding those responsible for managing and utilizing the data.
How to add a Logical Field to a Data Category
A new Logical Field can be added to a Data Category by selecting “Define Fields” on the Data Category’s detail page, in the Business Glossary section ( see picture below ).
How to enrich Logical Field metadata
It is possible to add information regarding a Logical Field by pressing “Modify” in its detail page ( see figure below ).
The following information needs to be provided:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Type | The data type of the Logical Field. It is possible to select a default value (Numeric, Date, String, etc.), or indicate a custom one. This is useful to provide guidance to those who will be responsible for implementing the Logical Field in different organization systems, ensuring uniformity. |
| Constraints | Indicates the possible values for the Logical Field, such as positive values, a date range, an acceptable range of values, etc.. This is useful to guide those who will be responsible for implementing the Logical Field in different organization systems, ensuring uniformity. It can also serve as the basis for quality control specifications and KQI. |
| Patterns | Indicates whether the content of the Logical Field must comply with a particular formal structure, such as Tax Codes or emails, etc. This is useful to guide those who will be responsible for implementing the Logical Field in different organization systems, ensuring uniformity. It can also serve as the basis for quality control specifications and KQI. The content can be expressed in natural language, pseudocode, or regular expressions. |
| Computational Rules | Calculation rules for the Logical Field. This is useful to guide those who will be responsible for implementing the Logical Field in different organization systems, ensuring accuracy. It can also serve as the basis for quality control specifications and KQI. |
| Aliases | Alternative names to define the Logical Field. To add a new Alias, click on the “Add” button. |
How to connect a Physical Field to a Logical Field
The Business Glossary and Data Catalog are interconnected through the association of Data Categories to Physical Entities and Logical Fields to Physical Fields.
A Physical Field can be manually linked to a Logical Field from its detail page, as shown in the picture below.
Alteratively, the connection can be automatically done by the Data Classification module ( see here for more info ).