> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kernel.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kernel.ai/data/hierarchies.md).

# Hierarchies

Hierarchy data explains how one resolved entity relates to another. Kernel keeps each entity distinct, assigns each one its own KERN ID, and links related entities into a tree.

This matters because a CRM account can mean different things. It might be the global group, a country subsidiary, a holding company, a product brand, or a standalone business. Kernel keeps those boundaries visible instead of folding every related record into one company.

## What hierarchy data answers

Use hierarchy data when you need to know:

| Question                                                       | Use                                                                   |
| -------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Who is directly above this account?                            | CRM parent fields, association actions, and account ownership cleanup |
| What is the top of the corporate tree?                         | Routing, reporting, account-family lists, and rollups                 |
| Is this the highest operating company below a holding company? | GTM views that should skip passive holding companies                  |
| Is this account a regional subsidiary?                         | Territory planning, regional reporting, and duplicate policy          |
| Which scope should a number use?                               | Entity-level vs. consolidated headcount and revenue                   |

## Pages in this section

* [Parent relationships](/data/hierarchies/parent-relationships.md) explains immediate parent, top parent, top operating parent, and standalone companies.
* [Regional subsidiaries](/data/hierarchies/regional-subsidiaries.md) explains how Kernel distinguishes a regional subsidiary from a duplicate account.