The concept of data governance has become more important as organizations increasingly depend on the quality of their data to make critical business decisions. データガバナンス can be defined in a number of ways that all relate to the strategies and technologies in which an enterprise manages and controls access to its data.
It is a major ingredient in the organization’s ability to meet regulatory and legal requirements as well as maintain corporate best practices.
Implementing a data governance policy is not a trivial task nor can it be simply dictated by upper management. For that matter, no individual strata of the corporate hierarchy can develop a data governance framework in isolation.
To have a robust data governance program, a number of components are required:
The foundation of a data governance initiative is the establishment of a shared language with which to operate.
The basis for any constructive conversation or communication is the ability of the associated parties to understand each other. This implies that the participants engaged in the exchange are using the same language. Failure to do so obscures their capacity to reach an agreement or decide on a course of action when faced with a challenging decision.
Not speaking a common language is a major impediment when attempting to build the framework for any cooperative endeavor.
Data governance needs to be a cooperative effort if it is to provide an enterprise with the benefits it seeks in managing its information in a structured manner.
Defining the shared language and terms to be used in the program is a critical early step in the process of constructing a viable policy. To properly devise the data definitions that will power the data governance initiative, the associated organizational stakeholders need to be involved.
There are four basic levels of involvement that a stakeholder may occupy. Stakeholders can identify themselves as belonging to one of the following categories regarding the development of terms and the construction of the organization’s data dictionary:
There are some methods which can streamline the process of developing the data definitions needed to implement an effective data governance program.
Generating the data definitions to power the program is a time-consuming process that involves the coordination of various members of the organization. Strong support from upper management is key in enabling the proper individuals to invest the necessary time in the process.
This is a critical step that can alleviate issues down the road once the policy is implemented. Involving the correct groups or people at the start of the process makes it more likely that valid definitions will result from their efforts. Management may have to reach out to involve certain parties who may not initially wish to participate but can bring insightful or controversial ideas to the table.
It is much better to deal with conflicting views during the definition process than after the policy is in place.
The way in which data governance and its associated data definitions add value to your business is vital in getting buy-in from all stakeholders, particularly upper management. Spending personnel resources should lead to tangible benefits for the enterprise.
Beginning the process of defining the data for a particular domain can prove much easier when a draft is provided to the concerned stakeholders. This minimizes the time to ramp up the discussion by supplying a starting point for the conversation.
A real stumbling block to creating robust data definitions is the inclusion of terms that are specific to particular departments or areas of expertise. A DBA may use words and acronyms that have a completely different meaning to a compliance manager. These types of conflicts need to be eradicated in order to construct data definitions that are useful for all stakeholders.
Developing a data governance strategy involves numerous components, including constructing a foundational set of data definitions. Utilizing a software tool specifically designed for collaborative activities ensures a smoother process and results in a policy that aligns with organizational goals.
ER/Studio Enterprise Team Edition is an ideal tool for building the foundation of a data governance initiative. Its features include:
Discover how ER/Studio Enterprise Team Edition can help you avoid common pitfalls, construct a shared language, and advance your data governance strategy effectively.
