As a data governance consultant, I often rely on frameworks to guide engagements. There are numerous published methodologies that are comprehensive by design and when given the time, budget, and access to the right people, the frameworks can be a great guide. I rarely see the need to re-invent the wheel and have had a lot of success in implementing many of the tried and true published methodologies. However, working with these very comprehensive frameworks can be time consuming and depending on the size of the organization, can take months to complete the discovery/assessment phase alone. Additionally, as DG spans almost all business and IT departments, conducting discovery sessions can be disruptive to the business. By the time the assessment phase is complete, the organization had long moved on to the next big thing, DG funding has been re-appropriated to other areas of the business and the once desired DG program is put on hold.
When I joined CCG, I joined a team of solution architects with a deep background in data management, and data governance. Literally, we have over 6 decades of total DG experience between us. To say these folks had,” been there, done that,” is an understatement. Like me, they were frustrated with how difficult it was to get DG off the ground. Often, organizations have short attention spans and as you may be aware, DG is not something that can be stood up overnight. We all agreed that we needed a new approach. We needed to be able to assess organizations faster and provide “actionable insights” that could be quickly implemented with minimal disruption to the business. To achieve this, we needed to develop a simplified, more targeted framework and methodology.
The team identified key themes/challenges that we heard repeatedly while engaging with clients. We then identified and prioritized the DG competencies that would yield the highest returns.
Below are a sample of the most common themes we heard during our assessments:
I don’t trust the data (data quality)
The data architecture is the wild, wild west (data architecture)
There is no single way to request data/reports (data architecture)
I do not know how my metrics are defined (metadata management)
I couldn’t tell you what source system the data came from (metadata management)
I do not know who has access to the data (data security and privacy)
I have no idea who is responsible for the data (program management)
I know we have sensitive data, but we don’t classify it or manage it as sensitive (data security and privacy)
I’m not sure what our policies and procedures are for approving data access (data security and privacy)
We heard the same 5 competencies repeatedly:
Program Management
Data Quality
Data Architecture
Metadata Management
Data Security and Privacy
These competencies became the basis for the CCGDG framework, also known as the “CCG Doughnut.”
The center of the doughnut is the program management (PM) function. The development of a formal PM function ensures that ownership and accountability are established, and rules of engagement are defined. The PM function is the key to enabling the competencies on the outer layer, including data architecture, data security and privacy, data quality, and metadata management.
Using the new, simplified, framework coupled with our RapidDG accelerator program, we can assess and enable DG in as quickly as 6 weeks. This includes support with enabling your program management function, including a formal charter and identification of key resources to support the program management function, development of a business case for ongoing DG support, and the development of a 9-12-month actionable roadmap.
By focusing on these 5 key competencies we can quickly assess an organizations DG readiness and develop an actionable roadmap to support the enablement of a formal program.
Interested in learning more about Data Governance strategies contact a DG consultant at info@ccganalytics.com.
Written by CCG, an organization in Tampa, Florida, that helps companies become more insights-driven, solve complex challenges and accelerate growth through industry-specific data and analytics solutions.
CCG understood our project needs very well, they are very responsive and we could not ask for anything more. The solution they provided fit perfectly with our expectations and business goals.
GOP Data TrustChief Data OfficerI cannot overstate the delight we experienced from the outcome of our project. I would not only recommend CCG to any company, but question why they would engage with anyone but CCG.
PgiDirector of Customer SuccessWorking with CCG is like working with extended team members. Consultants become an integral part of the work bringing expertise for cutting edge design and development.
Hillsborough County Public SchoolsChief Information and Technology OfficerCCG's team is positive and eager. They are a great big bunch of wonderful people trying to make a difference.
Hillsborough County Public SchoolsDepartment ManagerI knew CCG's technical expertise and dedication to quality results would be invaluable to our project success based on our past partnerships. We could not have implemented in the short timeframe like we did without their assistance. CCG is #1 on my speed dial for successful project implementation.
InCommDirector, Financial Information SystemsIt was evident from the onset of negotiations through the implementation that CCG took their role in the partnership to heart and we believe it has been instrumental in our success.
Interval InternationalDirector of MarketingCCG works very hard to understand and align with our needs. It truly feels as though we are on the same team!
Fortune 500 HomebuilderBI ManagerCCG came to our company in a time of much change. Their team partnered with ours, continually delivering with professionalism and efficiency. We would not be where we are today without the expertise CCG brought to the project.
PSCU Financial ServicesSenior Program ManagerCCG has a good industry knowledge, we are very happy that we chose to work with CCG. They have been a great help strategically and are helping us make important decisions.
Minneapolis Public SchoolsHuman Capital CoordinatorOther Vendors use the word Partnership, but CCG actually means what they say. I can’t thank them enough for their professionalism and willingness to work with us as a true Partner, not just another vendor.
PODSCIOOur CCG Consultants are total rock stars: very thorough with a solid knowledge of the financial services industry. As a bonus, they are very easy to get along with – a great fit for our team.
Raymond James Financial ServicesSenior Manager of Enterprise DataCCG's team are all amazing. Thank you, CCG, for all that you do to make us great and keep our credit unions moving forward!
PSCU Financial ServicesVP Enterprise Analytics & BIOther Vendors use the word Partnership, but CCG actually means what they say. I can’t thank them enough for their professionalism and willingness to work with us as a true Partner, not just another vendor.
PODSChief Information OfficerCCG's Team is very professional and responsive. They are making our job very easy.
Rollins, Inc.Senior BI AnalystCCG did an excellent job! Their team was very flexible. They gave us everything we asked for and then some.
Rooms To GoSenior BI ArchitectI'm amazed at the talent at CCG, not just the skillset - they're really good people. We've already referred them once and will do so again!
Ruth's Chris Hospitality GroupCIOCCG did a great job! We're extremely impressed with what was built in a short time. CCG has delivered ahead of time and with best practices, it's been a pleasure to work with them.
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