Are you struggling to get a complete overview of your data landscape? Use this 16-point checklist to see if you are missing something in your data strategy.
If you’re working as an Enterprise Architect, IT Director, BI Manager etc. you play a critical role in ensuring that your organization’s data strategy is aligned with your business goals and supports your use cases. But you might get frustrated because of inconsistent data. Or you might experience data silos causing information paralysis. Or maybe you are tired of manual data management?
Well, here are a few things to consider to see if you’re missing something in your data strategy.
1) Is the Data Accurate and Consistent Across Systems?
Is your data consistent across all systems, so it can be relied upon? Think about if your solution has mechanisms in place to verify the accuracy of the data and resolve any inconsistencies.
2) Can You Easily Integrate Data From all Sources?
Does your solution allow for easy integration of data from various sources, such as databases, spreadsheets, API’s and cloud services, without the need for manual intervention? Make sure that data integration challenges aren’t holding you back.
3) Does Your Data Strategy Include a Roadmap for all Data Use Cases?
Your data strategy should include a roadmap that outlines the steps and timeline for implementing data initiatives that align with business goals and support specific use cases. Prioritize initiatives that will create the most business value.
4) Does Your Business Have Access to a Data Catalog?
Check if your solution provides a data catalog that provides a centralized overview of all data assets. This will make it easier to find and access the right data.
5) Do You Have an Overview of the Lineage of Your Data?
Does your solution provide an overview of the lineage of data, including where it came from, how it was processed, and how it was transformed? Knowing the lineage of data can help ensure that it is trustworthy and relevant.
6) Does Your Solution Provide Real-Time Data?
Does your solution provide near-instant updates to ensure the data remains relevant and accurate? With real-time data access you might be able to make decisions faster and respond to rapidly changing business conditions.
7) Do You Have a System for Monitoring the Quality and Completeness of Your Data Landscape Over Time?
Think about if your current solution has a system in place to monitor the quality and completeness of the data landscape over time, providing early warning of any potential issues.
8) Can You Customize the Integration Process to Meet Your Specific Needs?
Can your solution adapt to the specific requirements of your organization? A modern B2B integration platform must offer tailored features, including customizable workflows, user-defined templates, and the ability to add custom code and scripts.
Can You Standardize Data Definitions Across Departments?
Make sure your solution can standardize data definitions, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and improving data quality.
9) Does Your Data Platform and Processes Provide Strong Data Governance?
Ensure that your data platform and processes include robust data governance capabilities, such as data security and compliance measures.
10) Can You Standardize Data Definitions Across Departments?
Make sure your solution can standardize data definitions, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and improving data quality.
11) Does Your Organization Have a Clear Process for Data Management and Distribution?
Make sure that you have a clear process for data management and distribution, including how data is stored, accessed, and shared among different departments and stakeholders.
12) Can You Easily Visualize Your Data to Identify Business Areas for Improvement?
Ensure that your solution provides easy-to-use visualization tools that allow you to quickly see patterns and trends in your data, helping you identify opportunities for improvement in your business.
13) Can You Easily Share and Collaborate on Data With Your Team?
Nobody wants to waste time looking for information, so check that
everyone in your team can easily find the right data at the right time.
14) Can You Easily Get Access to the Right Data to Make the Right Decisions at the Right Time?
Nobody wants to waste time looking for information, so check that everyone on your team can easily find the right data at the right time.
15) Is Your Data Solution Scalable for Future Growth?
Can your solution scale up if necessary? Make sure it can handle increased transaction volumes and data complexity if your business grows and expand its operations. Your integration platform should be implemented with scalability in mind, so you can easily add new users, partners, systems, and data sources as needed.
16) Do You Have the Right Capabilities In-House?
Consider if your organization has the right capabilities in place, including the necessary skills, technology, and processes, to become information-driven, making data-driven decisions that drive growth and success.
The bottom line is that a solid data strategy is crucial for organizations of all sizes and industries.
By using this 16-point checklist, you can ensure that your data landscape is accurate, consistent, and aligned with your business goals. With the right data platform and processes in place, you can make informed decisions that drive growth and success for your organization.
Don’t let inconsistent data or manual data management hold you back. Take the first step towards a comprehensive data strategy today!
Do you want the checklist as a downloadable tick-off list to hang up on your wall? Then download a printable real Checklist here >>