In this post we will look at a defining data governance framework. We will also look a the key components that are a part of a data governance framework.

Defined

A data governance framework is the how or the plan for governing the data within an organization. The term data governance determines what needs to be governed or controlled while the data governance framework is the actual plan for controlling the data.

Common Components

There are several common components of a data governance plan and they include the following.

• Strategy
•  Policies
•  Processes
•  Coordination
•  Monitoring/communication
•  Data literacy/culture

Strategy involves determining how data can be used to solve problems. This may seem pointless but certain data can be used to solve certain problems. For example, customers’ addresses in California might not be appropriate for determining revenue generated in Texas. When data is looked at strategically it helps to ensure that it is viewed as an asset in many cases by those who use it.

Policies help to guide such things as decision-making and expectations concerning data. In addition, policies also help with determining responsibilities and tasks related to data management. One example of policy in action is the development of standards which are rules for best practices in order to meet a policy. A policy may be something like protecting privacy. A standard to meet this policy would be to ensure that data is encrypted and password protected.

Process and technology involve steps for monitoring the quality of data. Other topics related to process can include dealing with metadata and data management. The proper process mainly helps with efficiency in the organization.

Coordination involves the processes of working together. Coordination can involve defining the roles and responsibilities for a complex process that requires collaboration with data. In other words, coordination is developed when multiple parties are involved with a complex task.

Progress monitoring involves the development of KPIs to make sure that the performance expectations are measured and adhered to. Progress monitoring can also involve issues related to privacy, quality, and compliance. An example of progress monitoring may be requiring everyone to change their password every 90 days. At the end of the 90 days, the system will automatically make the user create a new password.

Lastly, data literacy and culture involve training and developing the skill of analyzing and or communicating data to people and others within the organization of use or consumption data. Naturally, this is an ongoing process and how it works depends on who is involved.

Conclusion

A framework is a plan for achieving a particular goal or vision. As organizations work with data, they must be diligent in making sure that the data that is used is trustworthy and protected. A data governance framework is one way in which these goals can be attained.