Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
people are assigned the work and are expected to report back to the committee
with the results.
The committee needs to serve as a decision-making body. Many data-related
questions require cross-functional input, which the committee should provide.
The committee should have the authority to handle most issues on its own, but
for significant issues the committee can recommend a solution to be approved
by senior management. This should only be done for big issues with broad
implications or significant impact on funding.
The data governance committee also serves to provide a common ground
for communication. Business decisions are often made that impact informa-
tion management and specifically the data warehouse. Examples of business
decisions that can affect information management include offering new lines
of business, or acquiring a new subsidiary that will begin using the existing
inventory control application system. Often, the application team directly
responsible for the system is informed of these changes, but other downstream
systems and groups are not always informed. The data governance committee
provides a forum to discuss what is happening in different parts of the busi-
ness. Appropriate follow-up can be done to ensure that data flows properly
throughout the rest of the organization.
Revising the Strategy
Keep in mind that while the information management strategy must have a
long-term view, it also needs to have the flexibility for refinement and the
business changes and/or systems changes. As the organization learns what
works and what doesn't, the information management strategy should reflect
this corporate knowledge. Too often, an information management strategy sets
forth unrealistic and unattainable goals. If this happens, revise the strategy to
reflect more reasonable goals. Take some time to develop the first cut and then
try to implement the strategy.
Sometimes the challenges that crop up could never have been anticipated,
even if years were spent to develop the information management strategy.
Treat information management as a general direction. Point the organization
in that direction and start moving forward. There will be detours along the
way, but most progress will still be in the desired general direction. While you
are planning next year's projects, which are proposed under the information
management umbrella, this is a perfect time to ensure that the direction still
meets the organization's needs.
In Real Life
After learning about information management, let's take a look at how this is
being handled by the companies we have been tracking.
