AI product & model operations · Working

Data drift

Also called: input drift

ELI5

The data reaching the model changes.

Used in conversation

“Data drift triggered a review before performance fell.”

Definition

Change in the distribution or characteristics of input data over time.

Here “Data drift” means: Change in the distribution or characteristics of input data over time.

Pitch context

You will see “Data drift” in product strategy decks, roadmaps, experiments and architecture reviews when the discussion reaches ai product & model operations.

Why it matters: In ai product & model operations, the scope can change what data may be used, who may access it and which controls are required.

Sources & evidence · 2

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.

National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
Scrum Guides — The Scrum Guide — official current versionSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16