Executives, managers and information workers have all come to respect the role that data management plays in the success of their organizations. But organizations don’t always do a good job of communicating and encouraging better ways of managing information. Even though they won’t always play a role in implementing or directly managing data quality, MDM (Master Data Management) or virtualization technologies, the business users of technology are increasingly responsible for setting goals and leading the adoption of end users in pursuit of revenue goals, better customer satisfaction and other metrics of success.
Thus, a fundamental understanding of core data management practices helps everyone see opportunities and play a role in the evolution of their organizations. Know the basics and you’ll be better equipped to overcome any given information-related project or challenge you’re contemplating (and there will always be plenty). More important, you will have an informed view with which to join the discussion about initiatives to match the goals and culture of your own organization. We are offering this second edition resource as a business oriented, working guide to core data management practices. In this episode, you will find easy to digest resources on the value and importance of data preparation, data governance, data integration, data quality, data federation, streaming data, and master data management. You can use the tabs and resources in these materials to grasp each of the terms above. Even if you know or think you know what they mean, see what’s new and learn what organizations in different industries are adopting. Use it as a reference, circulate and share it. You will quickly understand (and be able to explain to others) how data governance can help improve policies and workflows. You will see how data quality initiatives lead to more confident and better decision-making. You will know why master data management helps deliver consistent and aligned views of customers, products, partners and suppliers. Just as consumers have adopted their own tools and habits to better manage their lives, the technology-driven advances at work will lead to utility and better ways of getting things done. It is a journey more than a destination and one that requires participation and ownership across different levels of your organization. A basic holistic view of data management initiatives and practices will put you on a productive course and help to keep you there.