Glossary · System coordination, integration and orchestration
Data synchronization
Also known as: data sync
German: Datensynchronisierung
In systems integration, data synchronization is the process of bringing data held in two or more systems into agreement, by exchanging changes and resolving conflicts, so that each system has a consistent view of the shared data.
- System integration
In one sentence
Data synchronization brings data held in several systems into agreement by exchanging changes and resolving conflicts between them.
Example
A service tablet works offline in the plant and synchronizes completed work orders and new findings with the maintenance system when it reconnects.
How it applies
- Engineering: Define the direction of synchronization for each data item, the conflict strategy and how deletions propagate. Two-way synchronization without clear ownership is a frequent source of lost changes.
- Operation: Offline-capable devices and edge systems need a visible synchronization status so users know whether they work with current data.
- Documentation: User documentation for offline-capable apps should explain what happens to changes made offline and how conflicts are shown. Technical documentation should list synchronized data sets and their owners.
Data synchronization vs. time synchronization
Data synchronization aligns data contents between systems. Time synchronization aligns clocks. Both are often needed together: without synchronized clocks, “latest change wins” decisions can pick the wrong value. Document both where they depend on each other.