Definition · temporal data
Valid time
Valid time is the time dimension recording when a fact is true in the real world, independent of when it was entered into the system. For valid time, a useful definition states the time dimension recording when a fact is true in the real world, independent of when it was entered into the system, who owns it, and which decision.
Also known as application time, effective time, business time
Why it matters
Understanding valid time matters because leaders need a shared, source-backed meaning before they can compare results, explain performance, or decide what to do next. Valid time tracks when a fact was actually true, independent of when it was entered. It's the distinction behind landing a backdated entry in the period it belongs to—central to how Pluvo reasons about periods rather than load dates.
In practice
Operating example
Valid time is useful when teams need a shared interpretation of the time dimension recording when a fact is true in the real world, independent of when it was entered into the system. The definition should make source data, timing, ownership, and the decision it supports explicit.
Pluvo example
Valid time tracks when a fact was actually true, independent of when it was entered. It's the distinction behind landing a backdated entry in the period it belongs to—central to how Pluvo reasons about periods rather than load dates.
In practice, teams should define valid time with a clear source, owner, time period, and decision before they use it in reporting, planning, or operating reviews.
Understanding valid time matters because leaders need a shared, source-backed meaning before they can compare results, explain performance, or decide what to do next. Valid time tracks when a fact was actually true, independent of when it was entered. It's the distinction behind landing a backdated entry in the period it belongs to—central to how Pluvo reasons about periods rather than load dates.
A strong workflow for valid time separates the definition from the action: first agree what the term means, then decide how it is measured, when it changes, and who is accountable for the next step.
Valid time tracks when a fact was actually true, independent of when it was entered. It's the distinction behind landing a backdated entry in the period it belongs to—central to how Pluvo reasons about periods rather than load dates.
FAQ
What is valid time in a database?
Valid time is the time dimension recording when a fact is true in the real world, independent of when it was entered into the system. For valid time, a useful definition states the time dimension recording when a fact is true in the real world, independent of when it was entered into the system, who owns it, and which decision.
How does valid time differ from transaction time?
To use valid time, start with the decision, then confirm the source data, timing, calculation logic, and owner. The analysis is strongest when a reviewer can trace the answer back to the records that produced it.
Sources
- Time Value of Money (TVM): A Primer Harvard Business School Online https://online.hbs.edu › blog › post ›online.hbs.edu
- Valid time Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Valid_timeen.wikipedia.org
- Temporal database - WikipediaWikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Temporal_databaseen.wikipedia.org