What is a Data Dictionary in E-commerce?
A data dictionary in e-commerce is a catalog of data elements and their definitions used in a particular e-commerce system. It is usually a reference document that contains descriptions of all the data elements used in the system, including their names, data types, lengths, and other attributes.
The data dictionary can also provide additional information such as usage guidelines, relationships between data elements, and data quality rules. Data dictionaries help ensure data consistency and accuracy across the e-commerce system.
Significance of Data Dictionary in E-commerce
Data dictionaries provide a framework to understand and organize the large amounts of data collected and stored in an e-commerce system. Here are some other benefits:
- Differing from data glossaries, data dictionaries support databases and data warehouses with a complete guide to use them.
- Data dictionaries are also important for compliance with industry standards and regulations related to the collection, use, and storage of customer data.
- By providing a comprehensive view of the data, data dictionaries allow organizations to identify trends and uncover opportunities for optimization.
Prerequisites to Calculate Data Dictionary and How It Works
The prerequisites to calculating a data dictionary include –
1. A database system: In order to generate a data dictionary, a business must first have a database system in place. This can be a traditional relational database such as MySQL, Oracle, or Microsoft SQL Server, etc.
2. Database schema: A database schema is the structure of the data stored within a database. It defines the tables, columns, types, and relationships between the data elements.
3. Metadata: Metadata is the data about the data stored in the database. It includes information about the table and column names, data types, relationships, and other information about the database structure.
4. Data dictionary software: Once all of the above items are in place, one needs a software tool to generate a data dictionary. This software typically takes the database schema and metadata and produces a human-readable document, which is the data dictionary.
Use Case With Data Dictionary
For instance, a new business owner selling miniature figurines wants to pick the most suitable packaging to protect their items in transit.
They consult an e-commerce data dictionary online to understand the different kinds of packaging material available and how effective they are. After analysing a few options like bubble wrap, air pillows, foam wrap, etc., they decide on bubble wrap, as it is economical and protects the items well.
Big e-commerce brands may create their own data dictionary to help their staff quickly understand any process.