One of the biggest mistakes an organization can make is putting off Data Governance initiatives because they don’t think they can handle the size or the scope of getting something off the ground. We like to think of Data Governance in the same vein of product development and project management – establish a priority and work on it over time, with the right teams and the right tools.
Can Agile Data Governance Work for You?
The easiest way to get started on a new data governance initiative is to identify a first use case. This can be as simple as looking for success you can replicate in other parts of your organization, or identifying a compliance requirement that requires better data quality or streamlined data management. If you need help identifying a use case for immediate impact, schedule a complimentary consultation – we’d be happy to help.
Begin with a preliminary vision for your data governance initiative, but be prepared for it to change over time. Using an Agile methodology, you'll continuously refine this vision in stages. Prioritize key areas first, and adapt your strategy as your knowledge deepens and new obstacles emerge.
Data governance involves collaboration across departments and demands contributions from a diverse set of roles: data stewards, data owners, data users, IT, and business stakeholders. Much like Agile development teams, these participants should consistently collaborate to guarantee a comprehensive approach to data governance.
Divide the data governance initiative into bite-sized, achievable goals. Every phase should possess a distinct aim and lead to measurable advancements in line with the broader data governance goals.
In software development, the Agile approach emphasizes customer satisfaction and engagement. In contrast, Agile Data Governance zeroes in on the demands of data users. Utilizing user stories can be instrumental in grasping the requirements of various data stakeholders. For instance, a user story could be, “As a data analyst, I wish to access clean and uniform sales data to produce precise reports,” or “As a Business Line Director, I require the ability to cross-check data between my ERP and CRM."
Just as Agile underscores technical usefulness and effective design, incorporate automation into your data governance plan to enhance both efficiency and uniformity.
Promote proactive involvement and transparent dialogue among all stakeholders. This encompasses thorough documentation, unified definitions, collective sourcing of business terminologies related to data assets, open dialogues on data quality and protection, and joint decision-making. Although Agile Data Governance necessitates support from organizational leaders, it also champions a grassroots execution strategy, guaranteeing longevity beyond the initial rollout.