Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
and then captured. Each report, including its purpose and data elements, can
also be added.
As business data elements are identified and documented, a cross-reference
to each field or column containing that business data element can be captured.
A small amount of effort is needed to simply maintain the data dictionary
over time. This entails communicating with the different project or application
maintenance teams to ensure that as enhancements and corrections are made,
the contents of the data dictionary are updated to reflect those changes. If
you have a data governance team, it should assume the responsibility of
maintaining the data dictionary; otherwise, the data warehouse team may
need to take the lead.
Expansion of the data dictionary takes a lot more effort. This requires the
involvement of not only the IT people, to explain what is put into a field or
column, but also the active participation of the business community, to clarify
what the data means and how it is used.
Getting Started with Information Management
While the goals of information management are admirable, there is usually
some sort of a catalyst that sparks interest and support. An information
management push generally begins after the following has occurred:
A major data issue, perhaps with external exposure of inaccurate data to
a regulatory agency or the press.
A key executive feels the pain and understands the solution.
Challenges in the data have grown to a crisis point.
Paralysis, inability to get data needed to conduct business.
Changes in management personnel, whereby new staff members are used
to a greater availability and quality of data for running the business.
While interest builds, this is the time to ensure that the breadth and severity
of data challenges are documented and communicated. The real first step is to
get your arms around what you have and where you are today.
Understanding Your Current Data Environment
It is important to gain a realistic understanding of the state of the data today.
This understanding must come from both business and IT to really be effective.
Two different paths need to be followed. One is to get an understanding of
what data is stored where. The second is to gain some insight into the
