Which of the following best defines a system of record (SOR)?

A system of record (SOR) is defined as the authoritative source for data about an entity. This means it serves as the official repository where accurate and validated data regarding a specific subject, such as a patient or a product, is maintained. The SOR is crucial in ensuring data integrity, consistency, and reliability across various processes and applications. It is the go-to source for referencing detailed information, ensuring that all stakeholders rely on the same data to make informed decisions.

While the other answers touch on related concepts, they do not capture the comprehensive definition encapsulated in the term "authoritative source." For instance, a master entity application may manage multiple records but does not necessarily hold the status of being the definitive source. Additionally, exact match logic pertains to data matching techniques, while primary data about an entity could describe the type of information held in a system of record but lacks the emphasis on the authoritative aspect.