Data & Databases
Data lineage
A record of where data came from and how it changed as it moved through systems.
Example
Lineage shows that a dashboard metric came from two source tables and three transformations.
Why it matters
It helps teams explain unexpected results and locate where an error entered the process.
You'll hear it
“Which source and conversion produced this total?”
Can you control it?
Set by the team
The people building or running the AI choose this setup. An everyday user generally needs their help to change how this part works.
Common questions
- Does lineage prove the original data was correct?
- No. It records the path, not necessarily the truth of the starting information.
- Can missing steps weaken an investigation?
- Yes. Gaps can make it hard to reproduce or explain the result.
- Can lineage be useful after a source changes?
- Yes. It helps identify which downstream reports or systems may be affected.