Record once at the source, use many times

Statement

Data is recorded once, at its source, under the responsibility of the source holder. From there it is made available for multiple uses.

Rationale

Data quality is best guaranteed where data is created. Leaving data at the source respects national ownership and avoids unnecessary central copies. Data is meant to be used, not owned.

Implications

• It is clear who holds the source record, and corrections happen at the source.
• Viewing or querying data is preferred over copying it.
• Recording context is kept: who recorded the data, where and when.
• Data is machine-readable, so it can be reused without re-entry.
• Designs support secondary use from the start (e.g. public health surveillance, medicines monitoring) within agreed safeguards.

References: Sigra 2025; VWS 2025; EU 2025; Nictiz & The Open Group 2023; Zorgring 2025; Wilkinson et al. 2016.