Governing data is not looking at the physical attributes of data management. Instead, governance is about the policies and personnel in charge of standardizing information use throughout an organization. The challenges facing brands as they handle information include the use of different apps and programs. A company-wide data policy for data storage and use provides a basis for employees to protect information and use it correctly.
1. Data Needs to be Used
Carnegie Mellon University reports the creation of a panel of governors for data is only effective with specific goals. A brand that has specific goals in mind will be working towards using its data effectively. The governance of data includes publishing a set of policies detailing how data is stored and used. Big data is a powerful tool when it is governed correctly, with the latest information a part of the decision-making process for every brand. Brands can find value in a data set that is ready for use, with the most valuable information created for a specific purpose.
2. Choose the Correct Model
The choice of which data governance model to follow makes a big difference to the effectiveness of any policy. There are several models available designed for use with companies of different sizes. The steps to effective governance include the use of a committee of senior managers with executive powers over the policy. Beneath the senior committee is are smaller groups working to ensure their departments can meet the demands of the governance policy.
3. Look Beyond Buzzwords
A glossary of data definitions is an effective tool for a company to use when forming its policy model. The use of definitions is not a driving force behind the model chosen. Making sure the policy chosen is understood by executives and employees is of the utmost importance. Becoming bogged down with the wording of a policy and the definitions used by experts leads to confusion. Any misunderstanding of the policy will impact the effectiveness of policing the model among employees. A company with an easy-to-understand governance policy will see the most benefits and ease of use.
4. Rules will be Broken
When creating a governance policy, executives and managers need to be aware of the rules. The policy created to govern the use of data will form a framework for employees to work within. The framework will be effective for the majority of the time, with rules broken regularly. Understanding the policy is a framework to work with will make it easy for policies to be altered when required.
5. Choose members of the Steering Committee Wisely
The steering committee a brand chooses to lead the data governance project needs to be effective. Members of the committee need to be chosen from different sectors of the business to represent their departments. The brand will ensure every sector of the company is involved in the governance policy to make it effective for all employees.
6. Chaos is Important
The digital age brings unique challenges to the business sector, including the implementation of new technologies. Innovation is driving business with the globalization of the internet creating challenges. By embracing the chaos, any governance committee will be positioned to respond to new technology and markets. The emergence of technology and markets will make it clear a new policy is needed, with the governance policy changing to meet new business demands.
7. Don’t Forget About Business Stakeholders
It is easy to focus all the energies of a business on the IT aspects of governing data effectively. The IT members of the team are important for understanding the technology in use and how data moves. It is easy to lose sight of the aim of a governance policy, which should be to make it easy for employees to handle data safely. The information held by a company is just as important as its products and should be protected. The Data Administration Newsletter explains the effective use of information is based on how well it influences business decisions. A clear set of goals produced by the business team allows a company to move forward within the governance framework.
8. Empower Employees
No matter how long is spent on the governance policy, technology will move beyond its boundaries. The framework of the governance policy needs to be enough to allow employees to police themselves. A company that understands the limitations of data and its use for the long-term will perform better in the long-term.
The governance of data is a part of the process of doing business in the 21st-century. The information held by a company is a powerful tool that needs to be protected and used towards specific goals. Governance allows a company to take control of its data and remain confident it is being used correctly.
