What is the recommended approach to handle conflicts during data synchronization across systems?

• A. Leave conflicts unresolved to avoid changes.
• B. Resolve conflicts randomly.
• C. Always choose the latest update across systems.
• D. Use a defined conflict resolution policy.

Answer: (D)

When data is synchronized across systems, you need a clear, repeatable rule to decide what the final value should be when conflicting changes occur. Without a structured approach, different systems can end up with different versions of the same record, leading to data inconsistencies and confusion for users and processes.

Using a defined conflict resolution policy is the best choice because it establishes in advance how to handle disagreements. It sets criteria such as which system or data source is the authoritative one, how to merge fields, how to prioritize updates, when to prompt for human review, and how to log and audit decisions. This approach provides consistency, predictability, and accountability across all integrations.

Leaving conflicts unresolved leaves data in an ambiguous state. Resolving randomly introduces unpredictability and undermines trust in the data. Always choosing the latest update relies on clock accuracy and may ignore important business rules or data integrity concerns. A structured policy avoids these pitfalls by applying a deliberate, documented method to every conflict.