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Semantic drift

Concept

Semantic drift is the gradual divergence of business definitions such as metrics, measures and entity meanings across copied or forked data models, while names, schemas and security stay unchanged.

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Title graphic: Semantic drift (Concept)
TypeConcept

Key points about Semantic drift

Episodes about Semantic drift

Build a Trusted Semantic Layer in Microsoft Fabric

2025-12-30 · Video on YouTube

Most organizations think their data problems are about who can see reports. In reality, the bigger risk is what those reports mean today—and how quietly that meaning changes tomorrow. Your transcript argues that Microsoft Fabric doesn’t create chaos by being…

Stop Data Model Drift in Microsoft Fabric

2026-03-24 · Video on YouTube

This episode explains why data models in Microsoft Fabric naturally drift over time and why DAX cannot fix the problem. It argues that data models are not objective truth—they are human-made interpretations that embed assumptions, business logic, and…

2025-12-30 – Build a Trusted Semantic Layer in Microsoft Fabric2026-01-22 – Govern Semantic and AI Model Drift in Power BI and Fabric2026-02-20 – Architect a High-Performance Autonomous Enterprise with…2026-03-24 – Stop Data Model Drift in Microsoft Fabric2025-122026-03
Timeline of episodes about Semantic drift

Articles about Semantic drift (1)

  • Combating Semantic Drift in Microsoft Fabric
    · Mirko Peters
    Discover how semantic drift undermines data integrity and why establishing regular definition reviews is essential. Learn actionable strategies to keep your metrics…

Frequently asked questions

What is semantic drift in Microsoft Fabric?

Semantic drift occurs when the meaning of data metrics changes over time, often without oversight. It leads to discrepancies in reported metrics and undermines confidence in the data. · From the episode: Build a Trusted Semantic Layer in Microsoft…

Does Fabric create chaos by being insecure?

No. The episode says Fabric excels at access control. It exposes a deeper problem that older architectures masked with friction: unmanaged semantic drift in how metrics and models are defined. · From the episode: Build a Trusted Semantic Layer in Microsoft…

Why do AI initiatives fail, according to the episode?

Not because of bad models or poor prompts but because of context fragmentation: inconsistent identity, permissions, data silos and unmanaged semantic drift. These are the real bottleneck. · From the episode: Architect a High-Performance Autonomous…

How can organizations govern semantic drift?

Implement a strong semantic governance framework to keep definitions consistent, run regular audits and monitoring, establish clear ownership and accountability and integrate governance into the AI lifecycle. · From the episode: Govern Semantic and AI Model Drift in Power BI…

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Sources

Maintained by Mirko Peters (Microsoft MVP) · Last updated: