# data classification (data management)

> process of separating and organizing data into relevant groups ("classes") based on their shared characteristics

**Wikidata**: [Q5227257](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5227257)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_classification_(data_management))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/data-classification-data-management

## Summary
Data classification (data management) is the process of separating and organizing data into relevant groups, or "classes," based on their shared characteristics. This systematic organization of information is a fundamental discipline within data management, treating data as a valuable resource. It serves as a type of classification specifically applied to data, using 'topic' as a primary criterion.

## Key Facts
- Data classification is the process of separating and organizing data into relevant groups ("classes") based on their shared characteristics.
- It is a subclass of classification.
- It is a subclass of data management.
- Data classification is a facet of data.
- It is a facet of information lifecycle management.
- As a type of classification, the criterion used is 'by topic'.
- This process specifically applies to 'data'.
- It has a Freebase ID of /m/025svb6.
- It has a National Library of Latvia ID of 000353706.
- Wikipedia titles for this entity are available in English (en) and Malay (ms).

## FAQs
### Q: What is data classification (data management)?
A: Data classification (data management) is the process of separating and organizing data into relevant groups, or "classes," based on their shared characteristics. It is a core discipline within data management.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of data classification?
A: The primary purpose of data classification is to substantively organize information by separating and organizing data into relevant groups based on shared characteristics. This allows for a systematic selection language for managing data.

### Q: How does data classification relate to data management?
A: Data classification is a subclass of data management, which encompasses disciplines related to managing data as a resource. It is a fundamental process that helps in the effective management and organization of data.

## Why It Matters
Data classification (data management) is crucial because it provides the foundational structure for managing data effectively as a valuable resource. By systematically separating and organizing data into relevant groups based on shared characteristics, it enables organizations to understand, protect, and utilize their information assets more efficiently. This process is integral to information lifecycle management, ensuring that data is appropriately handled from creation to archival or deletion. Without classification, data would exist as an unmanageable mass, hindering efficient retrieval, analysis, and compliance with regulations. It allows for the implementation of a systematic selection language, transforming raw data into organized, actionable information. This organization is vital for making informed decisions, enhancing data security by identifying sensitive information, and streamlining operations across various disciplines that rely on well-managed data.

## Notable For
- Being the process of separating and organizing data into groups based on their shared characteristics.
- Its specific application as a type of classification where the criterion used is 'by topic' and it applies to 'data'.
- Its fundamental role as a subclass of data management, which involves managing data as a resource.
- Its designation as a facet of information lifecycle management, highlighting its importance throughout data's lifespan.

## Body
### Definition and Core Process
Data classification (data management) is defined as the process of separating and organizing data into relevant groups, referred to as "classes," based on their shared characteristics. This process facilitates the substantive organization of information, which is implemented through a systematic selection language.

### Relationships and Categorization
Data classification is positioned within broader conceptual frameworks:
- **Part of / Parent:** It is considered a part of data management, which encompasses various disciplines related to managing data as a resource. It also falls under the general concept of classification.
- **Subclass Of:** Data classification is a subclass of both classification and data management.
- **Instance Of:** It is an instance of a type of classification. The specific criterion used for this type of classification is 'by topic', and it explicitly applies to 'data'.
- **Facet Of:** Data classification is identified as a facet of data and also a facet of information lifecycle management.

### Identifiers and References
The entity "data classification (data management)" is recognized across various knowledge bases and platforms:
- **Wikidata Description:** Its description on Wikidata aligns with the core definition: "process of separating and organizing data into relevant groups ("classes") based on their shared characteristics."
- **Wikipedia Presence:** It has a dedicated Wikipedia title, "Data classification (data management)," available in multiple languages, including English (en) and Malay (ms).
- **Freebase ID:** The entity is identified with the Freebase ID /m/025svb6.
- **National Library of Latvia ID:** It also holds the National Library of Latvia ID 000353706.

### Related Concepts
A related concept is "spend data classification," which is a specific application involving the categorization of financial data into groups (or classes) of spend using a taxonomy or category tree. This highlights how the general principles of data classification can be applied to specialized domains.