Tag Settings

This guide explains how to configure tag creation and tag assignment permissions in Coalesce. These settings allow you to control who can create tags and who can apply them to data assets

Overview

Edit the settings on this page

Tag governance in Coalesce includes two distinct permission settings:

1. Tag Creation: Controls who can create new tags.

2. Tag Assignment: Controls who can apply existing tags to assets.

These settings help prevent:

• Uncontrolled tag sprawl

• Unauthorized tagging of assets

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1. Tag Creation

Purpose

Controls who can create new tag objects (e.g., "Sensitive", "PII", etc.).

Access Options

• Admins and Stewards only (recommended for stricter governance)

• Contributors, Stewards, and Admins (more open tagging environment)

How It Works

When enabled:

• Users with appropriate permission can go to Governance > Tag Manager

• Create new tags by providing a name and selecting a color

Example:

• Navigate to Tag Manager

• Click "Create New Tag"

• Name it (e.g., Sensitive-Test) and choose a color

• Save

Best Practice

Restrict tag creation to Admins and Stewards to avoid tag clutter and maintain a clean tag taxonomy.

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2. Tag Assignment

Purpose

Controls who can assign existing tags to assets (e.g., tables, dashboards).

Access Options

• Restricted: Only asset owners (must also be contributors) can assign tags

• Open: Any contributor can assign tags to any asset

How It Works

When enabled:

• Users can assign tags if they meet the configured permission

• Asset ownership is enforced only in the restricted mode

Best Practice

Use the restricted setting if:

• You want to prevent contributors from tagging assets they do not own

• You need tighter control over who labels data with governance tags

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Governance Strategy Recommendations

• Avoid Tag Sprawl: Restrict tag creation to Admins and Stewards.

• Maintain Tag Integrity: Restrict tag assignment if you're concerned about misuse or inconsistency.

• Balance Access and Engagement: Avoid over-restricting contributors — only enable limitations if actual governance issues are occurring.

⚠️ Important: Contribution to data documentation and tagging is hard to incentivize. Only restrict permissions when there is a clear need.

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Summary

Setting	Purpose	Recommended For
Tag Creation	Who can create new tags	Limit to Admins/Stewards to avoid sprawl
Tag Assignment	Who can assign tags to assets	Restrict if asset integrity is at risk

Use these controls to strike the right balance between collaboration and governance in your data environment.