# Reference Data

## What is Reference Data? 

Reference Data is essentially any flat/static data that is used across Maica to power it's functionality. This data is consistent, predefined, and used throughout the system to standardise operations and prepare your Maica instance for Service Delivery. 

## Why is it important? 

Reference data is important for Service Delivery in **Maica** because it populates and powers key functions like Appointments, Billing, and Rostering. For example, you cannot schedule an Appointment without having the necessary Reference Data, such as Resources. 

## So where do I begin? 

There are two distinct stages in the Reference Data lifecycle within Maica, these are: 

1. [Populating Reference Data Templates ](/maica-knowledge-base/maica-administration-guide/data/reference-data/reference-data-template.md)
2. [Importing Reference Data ](/maica-knowledge-base/maica-administration-guide/data/reference-data/import-template.md)

Both these stages are critical in the successful import of Reference Data into Maica. To learn more about each stage, please refer to the related articles linked above. 


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