Provenance
Definition
Provenance makes origin and processing steps traceable.
Traceable information about origin, processing, responsible parties, and changes of data or artifacts.
Simply explained
An accompanying note shows where data come from, what happened to them, and who was involved.
Why it matters in practice
The term supports companies in selecting technologies sensibly, anchoring them organizationally, and using them competently.
Example from business
A knowledge entry refers to source document, import time, transformation, and releasing role.
Limits and pitfalls
- Only storing the last URL or treating derived data without a transformation chain.
Origin & history
Provenance has been formalized in databases, science, and the Semantic Web; W3C PROV standardizes a data model.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application: A knowledge entry refers to source document, import time, transformation, and releasing role.
Frequently asked questions
What does provenance mean?
Traceable information about origin, processing, responsible parties, and changes of data or artifacts. What mistakes should be avoided? Only storing the last URL or treating derived data without a transformation chain.
Sources
Source checked on 10.10.2026. Editorial application examples are hypothetical; no evidence of real customer results.
Editorially reviewed on: