Any external application using data access functionality can use the attribute consistency service to update and synchronize attribute value for an entity. The application can access the relations of an entity, which are stored in an entity reference database. In case of inconsistent attribute values, a master attribute value is determined which is then written to the defined attributes of the applications. The consistency of data stored in various IT systems can be ensured prior to attempting to access it. Errors by calling a service or functionality that would require access to data that is not available or that is inconsistent are therefore avoided. (Fig. 1)