One of the challenges of a master data management program is the decision on standardization. The opportunity to establish common definitions, format and domain ranges (allowed values) also presents a risk to introduce delays to your program. If you are a diversified business or a global organization, the delays are compounded.
How do you address the standardization challenge?
First step is to bring data awareness within your organization. This needs good amount of groundwork by IT leaders. Profiling of data, confirming data ownerships (or lack there of), reviewing information visibility requirements et al.
Second, identify data elements (attributes) that are potential candidates for standardization. Categorize your data using a tiered approach. Your industry may drive the amount of attributes to be standardized.
Third, bring awareness about your data and the need for standardization beginning with your immediate information consumers. Translate your findings from step 1 and 2 into simple narratives that business users can relate to and understand. Let this awareness percolate across the organization prompting attention of business leaders.
This will lay the foundation for your next (and generally more challenging) steps for data standardization. Stay tuned for Part 2.
If you are in the midst of a MDM program, what were your challenges in executing Steps 1 to 3 ?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
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