Template for a Data Dictionary

Marianne Graunke

Although I wish I would have started this year's ago, I had only been in positions in small shops where I had full control over the database.  Now, with multiple opinions, and varying levels of access, I feel like I am wrangling cats.  I have multiple opinions of where items should be stored, a database that has historically had less control over data entry than I am used to seeing and multiple fields being used to record similar or duplicated information.  I want to have processes in place to provide QC over the data, but I think I need to have something in place to help guide the users and assure them the data is available without adding new attributes/constituencies.  


I have found a data dictionary through AFP, but was looking for something in the Blackbaud documents that could guide me through creating the document.

Christine Cooke

when you want to implement best practices and a "data dictionary" for your org. it is imperative that you get the buy in of your leader/director and that they back you in making the changes and clean up.  And then getting buy in from the team that uses RE.


You may search here under best practices, policy and procedures, especially related to the type of organization you are at.


I had to do this and first thing I did was lock it down so no one could add to attributes of any kind, or tables without having an conversation with me... "the gatekeeper".  If I didn't do that, they would have continued to do their own thing without consideration for the greater good and the legacy that is left behind them.  Besides you are constantly fixing something you already fixed.


It is doable.  good luck!

Marianne Graunke

Thank you - I do have the backing of leadership and have the database locked down, and have had since day one. The issue is the multiple requests for an additional field(s) when the data already exists.  I am hoping that I can refer the other users to the Data Dictionary if I can get one established, but finding a template has been more difficult than I would have imagined.

 

Sharia Battle

Great idea, Marianne! I'm glad to hear you have Leadership behind you on this as well. 

I don't have a document to share with you; however, I'd suggest printing Code Table Report from Config/Tables section; since it will already be in list for you can copy/paste/save it into whatever format works best for you. This is such a good idea--think I'll be starting on something like this soon myself! 


Take care,

Shar