There is a ton to talk about in this area and translating for the end-user will be critical.

Cheers

There’s definitely some simpatico though now that I know you have the accounting background. I find, as accountants, we deal in data all the time, but don’t always recognize it.

Thanks for the comment!

Thanks for the comment!

Very nicely put with some apt examples.

A major problem is that businesses do not know what data they should capture and why. So fundamental and yet so misunderstood.

This is because data analysis and modeling is most often done in isolation from business modeling. The key business model – the Function Modeling – will enable a business to know exactly what data to gather, what the structure of this data will be, why is is being capture and how it will be used.

For more on Function Modeling got to http://www.integrated-modeling-method.com

Would also recommend http://www.dataqualitypro.com/

I would argue that there is no need for every business person to become a data quality expert in order to expect high quality information form system providers. They would not expect to become telecoms experts before they can be provided with a quality phone system.

They might, perhaps, learn some of the basics to avoid getting bamboozled by jargon. Hint: If they do learn some basics they really must avoid getting into “jargon fests” with others. Otherwise, they will all be speaking a foreign language to each that none of them understand, yet all convinced that they are fluent!

Remember, if the “experts” cannot describe it in plain English, they will be unable to deliver it!

John Owens

I came into the Data Governance world from Accounting, having become so very frustrated with the quality of the data that I had to rely on. The great old adage of “If you want something done right, do it yourself!”

The concept of ‘making money from your data’ is a key factor in the success of any Data Governance program. It is common practice today to speak of data as an asset in your organisation, businesses now need to take that further and start using that asset to create wealth rather than support wealth creation.

Thanks for the link to our Olympic blog bout, even though you voted for the wrong person

Cheers

Charles

Great post and I see Jim has beaten me to be the first commenter (as usual!) so thanks for sharing the link to Data Quality Pro Jim and I really encourage everyone to begin with Jim’s http://www.ocdqblog.com as there are excellent, practical articles to be found there.

I think it’s fantastic that you’ve started a dialogue on this topic and expressed some of the issues from your side of the fence and in terms your readers will understand and value.

Totally agree with Jim’s comments, we all have to do far more to simplify the best-practices in our discipline so that they become accessible to all.

The reality is that the rules of data quality are quite simple. They often appear far more complicated and long-winded when they find their way into books and academic papers.

If you take your case above of “Domain Value Redundancy”, once you’re listed some examples it is really clear how this rule can be violated and the sorts of impacts that can occur.

So, I’ve taken an action away to publish a series of simple examples of what data quality means for the newcomer, huge thanks for being the catalyst for this and let’s keep the dialogue going.

Best regards
Dylan Jones
Editor – Data Quality Pro

Perhaps accounting and data quality is heading for a meeting of the minds.

To our readers, listen to Jim, he knows what he’s talking about.

You can find more of his insights at: http://www.ocdqblog.com/about-ocdq/

OCDQ = Obsessive Compulsive Data Quality

Thanks again, Geoff

“Asset or expense?” is a common concern and an important question for data quality.

You are right to say that we cannot expect everyone to become data quality experts, especially with the constraints of time and inclination. And not only is it good for everyone to familiarize themselves with the world of data quality, but we data quality practitioners need to do a better job of sharing the basics as well as learning more about your worlds as well. Producing more value from data takes a collaborative effort from all involved.

The resources that you listed are excellent. I would add Data Quality Pro to the list:

http://www.dataqualitypro.com/

It is the leading data quality online magazine and independent community resource dedicated to helping data quality professionals and all those interested in learning more about data quality.

Best Regards,

Jim

P.S. Thanks for the mentions and the links