Interpreting the right information from data is where value is realized from the information asset. However, many organizations fail to put good controls around data to ensure accuracy, understanding and transparency as more and more data is shared with other areas within an organization as well as with external consumers of information. The same data may be interpreted to any number of meanings without appropriate context and controls in place.

Other organizations rely solely on technology to improve data quality at points in the information lifecycle as opposed to tracing the lineage of a data defect to improve quality at the source. The answer is a mix of the two - functional responsiblity and governance for data by the information workers and enabling technology to apply governance on a large scale in real time.

The importance of data quality is often underestimated in data migration and integration solutions. Even after years of project failures and mounting evidence, data quality is still the number one cause of data integration project failure or delay. A robust data quality program as part of an overall data governance program is the bedrock of any data migration or integration project.

Don’t be another statistic. Understanding your data is vital to the success of any data integration. Understanding anomalies early is the key to managing your risk exposure. Focus on data early. Focus on data now.

Data Governance Program and Project Management
Data governance methodology
Data stewardship organization
Control point integration with existing development methodologies
Information quality maturity assessment
Assessment, monitoring, development, mentoring
Six sigma quality program integration

Data Quality Functional and System Assessments
Data profiling
Business rule determination
Data defect detection systems
Business rule auditing and management systems
Cost of quality determination

Vendor Management
Evaluation, facilitation, selection
RFI, RFP, proof of concept, pilot
Best of breed, integrated vendor, single vendor solutions