Provenance Audit
Definition
Traceably verify the path of data.
A provenance check examines sources, processing steps, and responsibilities of a data set based on documented evidence.
Simply explained
Like tracing ingredients back to their deliveries.
Why it matters in practice
Errors, questionable usage conditions, and outdated data can be targeted more effectively.
Example from business
A hypothetical team checks from which document versions its search index was built.
Limits and pitfalls
- Incomplete logs cannot be replaced by assumptions; provenance alone does not prove correctness.
Origin & history
Practice is based on provenance and traceable processing chains.
Use in mid-sized companies
- For important data, record source, date, processing, and responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
Is this just a source list?
No, changes and handovers are also included.
Sources
Editorially reviewed on: