Library/T-07
Single Source of Truth
Decide the one place each kind of information lives, and make every other copy read from it.
Subtract · AutomateT-07
The pattern it solves
Several versions of the same fact, none trusted.
Signals you need it
Arguments about which spreadsheet is right. People keep their own copies. The owner is the source of truth.
Use it when
After T-06, or whenever the owner is the reference for facts.
What it takes in
The output of T-06, or a list of the business's core records (customers, jobs, prices, schedule).
What you end up with
For each record type: the system of record, who may change it, and what reads from it.
The steps
- 1.List core record types.
- 2.Name one system of record each.
- 3.Retire or make read-only every other copy.
- 4.Name who may edit.
- 5.Tell everyone where to look.
How it returns time
Ends reconciliation, re-asking and the owner acting as the reference.
What to measure
Copies of each record type in use; questions to the owner that were lookups.
What to measure, before and after. Not what anyone achieved — there are no client results to report.
Where it comes from
General systems and data practice.
What it fixes
The leaks this addresses
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