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- Master Data Management without Data Governance
Master Data Management (MDM) and Data Governance are two pillars that support the architecture of a robust data-driven organisation. But can one exist without the other? How should you react when your sponsor wants an MDM implementation but doesn’t want to fund DG activities?
A Quick Overview
Master Data Management is a practice of defining and managing an organisation's critical data. It involves creating a single, unified, and consistent source of truth for all data stakeholders - the so called “golden record”.
Data Governance, on the other hand, is about what data you’ve got; where it is; what it means; and who you can talk to about it.
So is MDM Without Data Governance possible?
Well of course it’s possible, but is that something you want to be doing? Implementing MDM without Data Governance is like constructing a building without an architect's plan. You might erect walls and lay floors, but the resulting structure will likely lack stability, coherence, and will most likely fail to meet your initial vision.
MDM sans Data Governance could lead to inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and data conflicts, resulting in poor quality master data. It could also lead to non-compliance with regulations, data misuse, and security breaches, risking the organisation's reputation and financial health.
The crux of the matter is, while you might have a singular view of your data through MDM, without Data Governance, you lack a framework to ensure the quality and trustworthiness of that data.
The Road to Success: MDM and Data Governance Hand in Hand
If your organisation is committed to a data-driven culture, implementing both MDM and Data Governance is essential. Together, they form a symbiotic relationship that ensures the integrity and value of your data assets.
Remember, the strength of your MDM effort depends largely on the efficacy of your Data Governance. Without a robust governance framework, MDM could end up amplifying the existing data issues instead of resolving them.
The Bottom Line
In the world of data management, MDM and Data Governance are not merely good-to-haves; they are must-haves. They work together, ensuring that your data is not just unified but also managed, protected, and leveraged effectively.
Think of Data Governance as the invisible hand that guides your MDM efforts, ensuring its success and aligning it with your organisation's strategic goals. So, can you do MDM without Data Governance?
Technically, yes, but you probably don’t want to.
But that’s not the end of the story!
Remember what we said at the top - the sponsor wants MDM, and doesn’t want to fund DG!
Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.
This is where too many data professionals trip up. By faithfully sticking to what we should be doing, we end up not being able to do it.
By pushing Data Governance too hard, you have the risk that leadership view you as intransigent and unhelpful.
That’s career limiting.
The smarter move in this case, in my view, is to embed the Data Governance activities into the MDM programme, and you don’t even need to call it out explicitly!
It’s just a way to ensure that the MDM plan succeeds.
If you would like to discuss managing this type of challenge, or anything else to do with Data Governance, then let’s make it happen.
Read a few previous newsletters online:
Have a wonderful week,
Charles
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