The following is a summary of the authority control layers every database administrator should be aware of when managing access to data tables and the raw information they hold.  

Warehouse authority – blanket of permissions and prerequisite to all other layers of authority. These permissions are applied per Library based on User ID for individual warehouses.

Table authority – precision for just one table but generally remains consistent across tables within any one warehouse. These permissions are applied per table. See Related Links for the varied query definition authority levels. ​

Query Definition authority -  this authority designation controls who can access a report, and what they are allowed to do with it. See Related Links for the varied query definition authority levels. ​

Upload/Download authority – a la carte-style authority (upload/download) for a special kind of action with any library. Can be specific down to individual table within a library. Applied per User ID to authorize warehouse or table

Tool authority – The final layer & gatekeeper to any access or manipulation of tables. A person can have warehouse authority, table authority, & upload/download, but still be restricted from ever using them by managing tool access in Employee Security. Applied per Employee ID or Alias ID to authorize individual tools.