Reference lists define the allowed values for asset fields. They help standardize data entry, reduce free-form errors, and support consistent reporting, analysis, and governance.
Reference lists standardize data entry, reduce errors, and support consistent reporting, analysis, and governance. They help users understand data context and ensure consistency across your organization.
A reference list contains a set of allowed values for a field. Each value is called a reference item and has a code (the value) and description.
Example: You may have a 'Criticality' reference list that categorizes data assets as Critical, High, Medium, or Low criticality. The reference list name is 'Criticality' and the items are the four criticality values. Other common examples include:
- Data type: Defines allowed data types such as Character, Date, Decimal, etc.
- State codes: Provides a list of 2-letter state abbreviations such as AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, etc.
- GDPR compliant: Allows values such as N/A, Yes, or No to track GDPR compliance.
- Credit cards: Lists common credit card brands such as American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, etc.
- Column type: Specifies column data types such as boolean, date, string, decimal, blob, etc.
Create a reference list
- To edit a reference list, click the ellipsis next to the reference list name and select Edit. Modify the details as needed and click Save.
- To delete a reference list, click the ellipsis next to the
reference list name and select Delete. Review
the number of associated assets and click
Delete to confirm. Warning: Deletion cannot be undone.
- To add a reference item, open the reference list and go to the Items tab. Click the '+' (Create Reference Item) button. Enter the value for the item (for example, 'Low', 'Medium', 'High') and click Create or Add and Create Another.
Add child reference list
- On the Reference Lists page, click the ellipsis next to a reference list name and select Add Child Reference List.
- Enter a Name for the child list.
- Complete the Display Format field. By
default, it references the
{Code}field. - Enter a Description for the child list.
- Click Create Reference List to save the child reference list.