Data Governance: The What, Why and How?
Data governance is an essential step for companies using Big Data within their economic models. It is a form of control over the production and distribution of information flows. Here is an overview in order to deepen the subject.
What is data governance?
Data governance brings together organizations and put in place procedures for a broadcast as part of good information to the right people. It is specifically aimed at companies using internal and external data flows. The data governance strategy is framed by legal obligations of the European Union.
It also includes all the methods and procedures used in data management. Its main missions are to guarantee the reliability of information and to facilitate decision-making and accounting. The approach revolves around 3 essential axes:
- Data entry and maintenance rules;
- The application of these regulations;
- Data management.
What are the advantages of data governance?
Data governance brings many benefits to an organization, starting with generalized understanding of information. It offers a coherent and common overview, not to mention that it uses terminology within the reach of all stakeholders.
It guarantees the quality of the information provided through the creation of a specific cross-checking plan. Like a GPS system, data governance provides a global picture of all the information, makes it easier to use and specifies the link between them.
In addition, it displays a 360-degree view of customers and other corporate entities. It sets up a framework in which the company shares a single version of information in complete transparency.
How to develop a data governance strategy?
The development of a data governance strategy takes into account business issues and not just data.
The first step in its implementation is therefore the identification of key information essential to the realization of the various tasks within the organization.
Next is the definition of the method to be adopted. It is essential to use an easily understandable common language.
Then comes the moment when it is necessary to develop a context, in other words, characteristic keywords, a lifetime, an original date, comments, etc. which will serve as metadata.
Finally, the development is based on organizational principles, authorities and industrialization tools.
What are good practices in a data governance strategy?
The establishment of good data governance requires some good practices based on four principles:
- Data availability;
- The usability of the data;
- Data integrity;
- Data security.
The availability of data requires a permanent backup within the computer system which will be accessible to all users. Usability implies compliance with ISO 9241-11. Data integrity requires verification of the quality of the writing. Finally, security refers to the adoption of access control, traceability, anonymization policies, etc.
