Agile Data Governance: How to Drive Data-Driven Decisions

Updated November 17th, 2023
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Agile data governance has surged in recent times as a beacon of adaptability and efficiency in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Its rise is rooted in the need to manage an exploding volume of data and the increasing complexity of regulatory environments.

As organizations face the challenge of turning vast data lakes into actionable insights, agile governance provides the necessary tools and methodologies to do so effectively and responsively.

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In this blog, we will understand how agile data governance contrasts with traditional data governance models, which tend to be rigid, hierarchical, and focused on centralized control.

Ready? Let’s go!

Table of contents

  1. What is agile data governance?
  2. 7 Key principles of agile data governance
  3. Agile data governance framework: 8 Essential aspects!
  4. Where to learn more about agile data governance?
  5. Key aspects to keep in mind when implementing agile data governance in your organization
  6. Rounding it all up
  7. Data governance with Atlan
  8. Agile data governance: Related reads

What is agile data governance?

Agile data governance is a modern, flexible approach to data governance that emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and iterative improvements. It is designed to help organizations manage data more effectively by streamlining the decision-making process and fostering better communication among different departments and stakeholders.

The importance of agile data governance lies in its ability to break down traditional silos, foster cross-functional collaboration, and enable faster, data-informed decision-making.

This approach not only streamlines data management but also ensures that data practices evolve in tandem with technological advancements and business needs, maintaining a competitive edge.

Without embracing agile data governance, organizations risk falling into a trap of inefficiency and inflexibility. In such a scenario, data becomes a burden rather than an asset, leading to missed opportunities, sluggish response to market changes, and potential non-compliance with evolving regulatory demands.

Ultimately, neglecting agile data governance can result in a significant disadvantage in today’s data-centric business environment, where agility and adaptability are not just advantageous but essential.

7 Key principles of agile data governance

Agile data governance is centered on principles that combine the flexibility and iterative nature of agile methodologies with the structured approach of data governance.

Its core principles aim to make data governance more adaptable, collaborative, and user-focused, aligning it closely with the rapidly changing needs of modern businesses.

Let’s look at the seven key principles.

  1. Collaboration
  2. Iterative approach
  3. Flexibility
  4. Empowerment
  5. Continuous improvement
  6. Automation
  7. Metrics and measurement

Let’s understand these principles of agile data governance in detail.

1. Collaboration


Agile data governance emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation among different departments, roles, and stakeholders in the organization. By fostering a collaborative environment, it breaks down data silos and encourages sharing of knowledge and best practices.

Collaboration helps ensure that all parties have a shared understanding of data-related issues, goals, and strategies, ultimately leading to better decision-making and more effective governance.

2. Iterative approach


Instead of trying to address all data governance issues at once, agile data governance advocates for implementing small, incremental changes to processes and policies. By taking an iterative approach, organizations can learn from each iteration, making improvements based on feedback, observed results, and changing requirements.

This enables organizations to adapt quickly and respond to evolving business needs, regulatory landscapes, and technological advancements.

3. Flexibility


Agile data governance is built around the idea of adapting to change. It promotes an environment where data governance practices can be quickly adjusted to accommodate new requirements, emerging technologies, or changes in business strategy.

By staying flexible, organizations can ensure that their data governance framework remains relevant and effective, even as the data landscape continues to evolve.

4. Empowerment


In agile data governance, stakeholders are empowered to make informed decisions about data management and usage. This is achieved by providing them with the necessary tools, guidelines, training, and access to data.

By empowering data users and stakeholders, agile data governance fosters a culture of shared responsibility and accountability, ensuring that data governance is not seen as a burden but as an enabler for better decision-making and improved business outcomes.

5. Continuous improvement


Agile data governance emphasizes the importance of constantly refining and optimizing data governance processes and policies. This includes regularly reviewing the effectiveness of existing practices, identifying areas for improvement, and making adjustments as needed.

By focusing on continuous improvement, organizations can ensure that their data governance practices stay aligned with business objectives and industry best practices.

6. Automation


Leveraging technology is a key component of agile data governance. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as data validation, monitoring, and reporting, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce human error, and better allocate resources.

Automation also helps to ensure consistency in data governance practices, making it easier for stakeholders to trust and rely on the data they use.

7. Metrics and measurement


Agile data governance emphasizes the importance of tracking the effectiveness of data governance initiatives. By defining and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), organizations can identify areas where their data governance efforts are succeeding and where additional attention is needed.

Measuring the impact of data governance initiatives also helps demonstrate the value of the program to stakeholders, which can be critical for securing ongoing support and resources.

By adhering to these principles, organizations can create an agile data governance framework that is adaptable, collaborative, and effective in managing data risks, enhancing data quality, and supporting business objectives.

Agile data governance framework: 8 Essential aspects!

An agile data governance framework is a modern approach to managing and overseeing an organization’s data assets, which incorporates the principles of agility into the governance process. This framework is characterized by several key aspects:

1. Rapid adaptation to change


The framework is designed to quickly adapt to changes in technology, business objectives, regulations, and market conditions. This means it can evolve with the organization’s needs, rather than being a static set of rules.

2. Incremental and iterative development


Similar to agile methodologies in software development, this approach to data governance is iterative. It focuses on making small, manageable changes that can be easily adjusted based on feedback and results.

3. Stakeholder collaboration


There’s an emphasis on collaboration among all stakeholders, including IT professionals, data scientists, business users, and decision-makers. This collaborative approach ensures that the governance strategy is aligned with business goals and user needs.

4. Empowerment and accountability


Rather than a top-down approach, agile data governance empowers individuals and teams to take responsibility for data quality and compliance. This decentralization can lead to more efficient and effective governance processes.

5. Use of technology and automation


The framework often leverages technology to automate governance processes, making them more efficient and less prone to human error. This includes tools for data quality, compliance monitoring, and reporting.

6. Continuous improvement and learning


Agile data governance is built on the principle of continuous improvement. Regular reviews and feedback loops are integral, allowing the organization to learn and improve its data governance practices over time.

7. Scalability and flexibility


The framework is scalable and flexible, capable of accommodating different types and sizes of data, as well as varying organizational structures and needs.

8. Alignment with business value


The ultimate goal of agile data governance is to ensure that data governance aligns with and supports the overall business value. It aims to make data a strategic asset that drives decision-making and competitive advantage.

This framework is particularly suited to organizations operating in dynamic environments, where data needs and regulations are constantly evolving. It allows for a more responsive, efficient, and effective governance of data assets.

Where to learn more about agile data governance?

To learn more about agile data governance, you can explore the following books and online resources:

Books


  1. ”Data Governance: How to Design, Deploy and Sustain an Effective Data Governance Program” by John Ladley. This book provides a comprehensive overview of data governance principles and practices, including insights into agile data governance.
  2. ”Agile Data Warehousing for the Enterprise: A Guide for Solution Architects and Project Leaders” by Ralph Hughes. Although primarily focused on data warehousing, this book offers valuable insights into Agile methodologies and how they can be applied to data governance.
  3. ”Data Management at Scale: Best Practices for Enterprise Architecture” by Piethein Strengholt. This book discusses data management principles and best practices, including agile data governance, to help organizations manage data at scale.

Online Resources


Data Governance Institute (DGI)


The DGI website offers a wealth of resources related to data governance, including articles, best practices, webinars, and case studies. The site also features a section dedicated to agile data Governance, which can be a valuable resource for learning more about this approach.

DAMA International


DAMA International is a professional organization for data management professionals. They provide resources, webinars, and events related to data management topics, including data governance. Their Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK) also covers data governance principles and best practices.

Agile Alliance

The Agile Alliance is a global organization dedicated to promoting Agile methodologies across various disciplines. Although primarily focused on software development, the Agile Alliance offers resources that can be applied to agile data governance as well.

Remember that agile data governance is a relatively new concept, and the literature on the topic may not be as extensive as more established data governance approaches. However, by combining resources focused on agile methodologies with those specific to data governance, you should be able to gain a solid understanding of agile data governance and how it can be applied to your organization.

Key aspects to keep in mind when implementing agile data governance in your organization

Implementing agile data governance in your organization requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind when transitioning to an agile data governance approach:

1. Assess the current state


Start by evaluating your organization’s existing data governance practices, infrastructure, and culture. Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and areas where Agile principles can be applied to improve the overall effectiveness of your data governance program.

2. Establish a cross-functional team


Form a diverse team of stakeholders from different departments and roles, including data scientists, engineers, business users, and legal or compliance experts. This collaboration will ensure a holistic view of data governance and facilitate better communication and decision-making.

3. Define goals and objectives


Clearly outline the goals and objectives of your agile data governance initiative. Focus on the most critical data-related issues and opportunities, and ensure that your goals align with your organization’s broader business objectives.

4. Develop a roadmap


Create a roadmap that outlines the iterative steps you will take to achieve your data governance goals. Include key milestones, timelines, and resources required for each phase of the project.

5. Training and support


Provide necessary training and resources to team members and other stakeholders to empower them to take responsibility for data governance in their respective areas. This may include workshops, seminars, or training sessions on Agile methodologies and data governance best practices.

6. Start small and iterate


Implement the agile data governance model incrementally, focusing on quick wins and learning from each iteration. This approach will allow your organization to adapt more easily and make improvements based on feedback and observed results.

7. Continuous improvement and adaptation


Regularly review and refine your data governance practices, making adjustments as needed to stay aligned with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement to ensure the ongoing success of your agile data governance initiative.

8. Automate processes


Utilize technology to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as data validation, monitoring, and reporting. Automation will improve efficiency, reduce human error, and ensure consistency in data governance practices.

9. Monitor performance and measure success


Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of your agile data governance program. Use these metrics to identify areas where additional attention is needed and demonstrate the value of the program to stakeholders.

10. Communicate progress and celebrate success


Regularly share updates about the progress of your agile data governance initiative with stakeholders and celebrate successes along the way. This will help build buy-in and support for the program and maintain momentum.

By keeping these aspects in mind, you can effectively implement agile data governance in your organization and create a flexible, collaborative, and adaptive data governance framework that drives better decision-making and supports your organization’s goals.

Rounding it all up

By adopting agile data governance, your organization can better manage data risks, improve data quality, and facilitate data integration across different verticals, ultimately supporting more informed decision-making and driving business growth.

This approach contrasts with traditional, more rigid data governance models, offering a dynamic and responsive way to manage and utilize data effectively.

To learn more about agile data governance, explore books, articles, and online resources related to both Agile methodologies and data governance practices.

Data governance with Atlan

If you are evaluating and looking to deploy best-in-class data access governance for the modern data stack without compromising on data democratization? Do give Atlan a spin.

Atlan is a Third-generation data catalog built on the premise of embedded collaboration that is key in today’s modern workplace, borrowing principles from GitHub, Figma, Slack, Notion, Superhuman, and other modern tools that are commonplace today.

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