In the sixth episode of The Sonny Side of Life I started talking to Nico Kohlberg and René Wiertz on how they use the metro model and the standards framework as a foundation for data quality management.
The central question: How do you use the standards framework and the Metro Model to not only improve data quality but also embed it in the organizational culture?
From fact sheet to foundation
René explained his research into data cleansing led to the development of a fact sheet, now available to everyone through DAMA Netherlands. This fact sheet provides guidance: definitions, objectives, PDCA cycles, and the relationship to other data quality elements.
The standards framework acts here as spine: it provides procedural and substantive requirements (often based on ISO standards) that help to clearly define processes and roles.
The Metro model as a talking picture
Nico and René use it Metro model as talking picture to make complex data quality issues understandable for non-technical stakeholders.
“With the Metro Model, we can truly take the business with us: which processes are we affecting, which roles are crucial, and what are the benefits?” – Nico
This allowed them to start at UWV with five priority elements, including issue management, monitoring and defining roles and responsibilities.
From SharePoint to data-driven culture
Remaining practical is a common thread in their approach. They use SharePointNot high-end, but effective for visibility and support. In addition, they are building a business glossary and they work on process modeling in a single framework, so that data and business processes are seamlessly integrated.
Their goal?
“Not just data-driven, but data-driven work: using data with common sense.” – Nico
Culture, communication & collaboration
Technology alone is not enough. Awareness, small steps and the continue to demonstrate the value are crucial:
- Start small: tackle the biggest data pain.
- Show the added value: “What's in it for me?” must always be answered.
- Work together: internally with data owners and process architects, externally via platforms such as DAMA.
Why This Matters
The story of Nico and René shows how organizations improve data quality structural can improve by using the standards framework and Metro model not only as theory, but as architecture for change.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode here.
And would you like to download the materials discussed and stay informed about new episodes? You can download them for free at databewuster.com.
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