Configure reference lists - Precisely Data Integrity Suite

Data Integrity Suite

Product
Spatial_Analytics
Data_Integration
Data_Enrichment
Data_Governance
Precisely_Data_Integrity_Suite
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Data_Observability
Data_Quality
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Services
Spatial Analytics
Data Integration
Data Enrichment
Data Governance
Geo Addressing
Data Observability
Data Quality
Core Foundation
ft:title
Data Integrity Suite
ft:locale
en-US
PublicationType
pt_product_guide
copyrightfirst
2000
copyrightlast
2026

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.
Note: Reference lists can only be created, edited or deleted by an administrator.

Create a reference list

  1. Go to Configuration > Governance > Reference Lists.
  2. Click Create Reference List.
  3. In Create Reference List, enter a Name for the new list, for example, 'Criticality'.
  4. Complete the Display Format field. By default, it references the {Code} field.
  5. Optional: Enter a Description, for example, "Defines the significance of an asset".
  6. Click Create Reference List to save the new list.
    Note:
    • When you create a reference list, a Code field (text type) is created automatically.
    • When you create a reference item, Code is required.
After creating a reference list, you can edit, delete, or add items to it:
  • 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

A child reference list is a subordinate list created under a parent reference list. It inherits the parent's properties while allowing customization such as a unique name and display format.
  1. On the Reference Lists page, click the ellipsis next to a reference list name and select Add Child Reference List.
  2. Enter a Name for the child list.
  3. Complete the Display Format field. By default, it references the {Code} field.
  4. Enter a Description for the child list.
  5. Click Create Reference List to save the child reference list.