A single source of truth is the designated authoritative source for a defined data element, record or business decision. It reduces conflict by making ownership and update rules explicit.
Does it require one system for everything?
No. Different systems can own different data. CRM may own opportunity stage, CPQ may own the approved quote and ERP may own the invoice. The key is a defined authority for each field and state.
What is required to establish it?
- Clear data ownership
- Stable identifiers
- Definitions and quality rules
- Controlled update permissions
- Integration and reconciliation
- Version and lineage records
Why do duplicates persist?
Teams copy data for reporting or workflow needs, disconnected tools create local versions and ownership is unclear. A master source still needs reliable distribution to consuming systems.
Single source vs. single copy
A single source of truth identifies authority. It does not mean only one physical copy exists. Replicas can be valid when synchronized and clearly subordinate.
How should conflicts be resolved?
Use source priority, version, timestamp and exception workflows. Do not let last-write-wins behavior overwrite approved commercial or payment data.
