app.title

Systems of Record

Topic

Core enterprise software platforms that manage critical business data, such as CRM and HR systems. The discussion highlights their potential disruption by bespoke AI agents that can replicate their functionality.

entitydetail.created_at

8/22/2025, 1:21:37 AM

entitydetail.last_updated

8/22/2025, 1:38:18 AM

entitydetail.research_retrieved

8/22/2025, 1:28:47 AM

Summary

A System of Record (SoR), also known as a Source System of Record (SSoR), is a fundamental data management concept referring to an information storage system that serves as the authoritative and definitive source for a particular piece of information or dataset within an organization. These systems are crucial for operational processes, ensuring accuracy in areas like transaction processing, patient care, billing, and inventory management. In the contemporary tech landscape, there is significant discussion about how advancements in AI, particularly powerful AI Agents leveraging Chain of Thought reasoning (exemplified by models like OpenAI's o1), could fundamentally disrupt traditional Systems of Record, potentially rendering them obsolete and paving the way for new business models such as consumption-based pricing. This potential disruption is part of a broader shift in the SaaS industry, although the open-source AI movement, with competitors like Meta's Llama 3.2, presents a significant challenge to the dominance of proprietary AI solutions.

Referenced in 2 Documents
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
  • Role

    Definitive source for a specific dataset

  • Type

    Data Management Term

  • Purpose

    Primary source for data within an organization, where original records are first created and subsequently maintained

  • Crucial for

    Operational processes that rely on the most current data, such as transaction processing, patient care, billing, and inventory management

  • Core Function

    Authoritative data source for a given data element or piece of information

  • Implementation

    Commonly implemented on a computer system running a database management system

  • Alternative Name

    Source System of Record (SSoR)

  • Governmental Context

    Codified by government agencies like the US General Services Administration (GSA) under the Privacy Act, requiring a System of Record Notice for personal data

Wikipedia
View on Wikipedia
System of record

A system of record (SOR) or source system of record (SSoR) is a data management term for an information storage system (commonly implemented on a computer system running a database management system) that is the authoritative data source for a given data element or piece of information, like for example a row (or record) in a table. In data vault it is referred to as the record source.

Web Search Results
  • System of record - Wikipedia

    A system of record (SOR) or source system of record (SSoR) is a data management term for an information storage system (commonly implemented on a computer system running a database management system) that is the authoritative data source for a given data element or piece of information, like for example a row "Row (database)") (or record) in a table "Table (database)"). In data vault it is referred to as the record source.( Background ---------- [edit] [...] The need to identify systems of record can become acute in organizations where management information systems have been built by taking output data from multiple source systems, re-processing this data, and then re-presenting the result for a new business use. [...] The "system of record" approach is a good fit for environments where both: there is a single authority over all data consumers, and all consumers have similar needs Trade-offs ---------- [edit]

  • System of Record Vs. System of Reference: 5 Key Differences

    A system of record (SoR) is the primary source for data within an organization, where original records are first created and subsequently maintained. It is the definitive source for a specific dataset—for any piece of data it holds, the SoR is where that data was originally entered into the system and is kept up-to-date. This makes SoRs crucial for operational processes that rely on the most current data, such as transaction processing. Key characteristics of a system of record include: [...] Systems of record are foundational to the daily operational processes of an organization. They ensure that activities such as patient care, billing, and inventory management are conducted based on accurate and current data. [...] A system of record is recognized as the authoritative source for its specific dataset, holding the definitive version of transactional data. It is the primary reference point for operational data within its domain—for example, EHRs at a hospital, or supply chain management systems for a pharmaceutical company.

  • What is a system of record? - Aerospike

    “Systems of records – a system of record is a group of records from which information is retrieved by the name of an individual, or by any number, symbol, or other unique identifier assigned to that individual.” [...] is a data management term for a high priority information storage and management system. It serves as the authoritative data source for mission critical information. This is important when data comes from different source systems, is reprocessed and then used again. Systems of record are also codified by government agencies like the US General Services Administration that define systems of record as: [...] Similarly, in government or defense contexts, a System of Record Notice is a formal declaration for privacy compliance when an agency keeps personal data – the SOR must adhere to published uses and protections of that data. Companies will configure their systems of record to retain data for required periods, archive or dispose of data according to legal retention schedules, and produce reports needed for regulatory filings. In essence, an SOR becomes a cornerstone of information governance,

  • System of Record vs Source of Truth: What is the Difference?

    A system of record can be defined as a computer system that maintains, validates, and provides access to an organization’s data. Moreover, it is the official source of truth for a company’s data. As such, a system of record is made up of multiple databases and apps that are integrated together. It captures and stores all the data required to run the business, including customer, sales, and product information. Plus, it stores inventory levels and employee records. [...] By Thierry Tremblay / June 25, 2023 / 27 minutes of reading What is the System of Record? --------------------------------- System of record is a computer system responsible for maintaining, validating, and providing access to an organization’s or company’s data. This complex system serves as the authoritative source of truth for information. [...] Essentially, a system of record is a software solution used to manage a company’s core business processes. Listed below are examples of business processes that can act as a system of record: Production Inventory Finance Sales Customer service Image 8: statistics of challenges businesses faced in maintaining data consistency What Types of Software Can Serve As a System of Record? -----------------------------------------------------------

  • Systems of Records - Privacy Act - GSA

    ## Explanation of terms Systems of records Under the Privacy Act, a system of records is a group of records from which information is retrieved by the name of an individual, or by any number, symbol, or other unique identifier assigned to that individual. GSA is responsible for two types of Privacy Act systems of records — those that are internal to GSA and those that are governmentwide and include other agencies’ systems as well as GSA’s, generally at an agency’s discretion. [...] The Privacy Act requires federal agencies to publish a notice in the Federal Register for each system of records that an agency maintains. A system of records contains information that is retrieved by an individual’s name or other unique identifier. The notice ensures that privacy considerations have been addressed in implementing the system. GSA issues two types of notices. One is for internal GSA systems of records, and the other is for systems of records maintained by other agencies for