What is metadata really?
According to Shannon M Els Metadata is much more than simply "data about data." It's context. Without metadata, data is meaningless. You can't make decisions about information without the right context, just as you can't put on a coat in 25 degrees without knowing whether it's Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Definition according to Shannon: Metadata is information about data which determines the context in which data can be understood, classified and used.
Metadata is what allows you to know what 42 means—degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, age, speed? Without metadata, data is blind.
Start simple, don't make it complex
Many organizations make metadata unnecessarily complex. Shannon emphasizes that it is usually not complex is, but a lot ofStart with a basic set: name, definition, source, owner, and quality requirements. And importantly: drink coffee with your colleagues.
Complexity has become an excuse for stagnation. Start with what you know. Ask your colleagues what they really need.
The triangle of data governance
Shannon introduces the data governance triad: metadata, data quality, and master data. These three form the core of every data-driven organization:
Metadata gives meaning
Quality creates trust
Master data is the reference point
As soon as you touch one of these, you automatically have to consider the other two. They are inextricably linked.
"Without metadata, there's no data quality. Without data quality, there's no trust. Without master data, there's no clarity."
The metamodel: the backbone of your organization
A powerful insight from the conversation is the importance of a metamodelThis is the structured blueprint in which you specify which types of metadata objects you manage (such as tables, definitions, reports, rules, data delivery agreements).
This model makes it possible to:
Clearly define responsibilities
Testing maturity within your organization
To use systems (such as Collibra) more effectively
Without a metamodel, metadata management is like building without a foundation.
The human side: metadata starts with coffee
Data governance is a human endeavor. Shannon repeatedly emphasized the importance of informal contact and human relationships:
Look for people who are already taking responsibility
Go for coffee, listen to frustrations and needs
Label roll pass once you know who already fulfills them (informally)
The best way to start governance? Have coffee with the people who are already complaining about data quality. That's where your structure begins.
The Modeling Authority
Especially in larger organizations, there is a clear Modeling Authority Essential: a group or individual who oversees the quality and consistency of metadata. Ideally, this is an experienced information analyst or enterprise architect with knowledge of modeling, processes, and governance.
Conclusion: Metadata is not an IT party
Metadata is at the heart of how organizations manage their information. It's not just for the IT department; it belongs to everyone. By starting small, listening carefully, and structuring effectively, you can make a difference.
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